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26.TRUE Marathon 2025

Our City. Our Way.

What is "a force on the course"?

You are!

One of the things that makes 26.TRUE special is the route and another is the people. We can all be a force for something, on April 19th, 2025, we ask you to show up as a force for ____________.

It could be love, community, inspiration, celebration, resilience, or anything else that moves you.

If you're running, run bold and brave. If you're cheering, cheer loud and proud.

We hope that you will join us to be a force on the course both for yourself and for others!

What does runner registration include?

Runner Registration for 26.TRUE 2025 is $100 and includes:

  • Entry to the marathon with a one-of-a-kind route through The City of Boston
  • A 20-week training plan designed by our friends from Forward Spine and Sport that starts at the end of November (Beginner, Beginner +, and Intermediate levels)
  • A 26.TRUE Souvenir Bib
  • A 26.TRUE Marathon Finisher Medal
  • A 26.TRUE 2025 Marathon Finisher T-shirt
  • A Meal Ticket for a food truck

What does volunteer registration include?

Volunteer Registration for 26.TRUE 2025 is FREE and includes:

  • A 26.TRUE 2025 Volunteer Shirt
  • A Meal Ticket for a food truck
  • Snacks and Refreshments Throughout the Event
  • A whole lot of joy and community!

When can I register to volunteer?

Thank you for your interest - this event wouldn't be possible without the dedication of our amazing team of volunteers! Volunteer registration will open in 2025. Check back here and be on the on the lookout for volunteer registration to go live in the beginning of January!

Is there a cutoff time for runners?

There is no cut off time for 26.TRUE marathon, however, out of respect for our organizers and volunteers, we do require all runners to remain on the course at all times throughout the event - no detours or mid-run shopping trips, please!

As part of the registration process we will ask you for your projected finishing time only to ensure that you are fully supported along the entire course and allow us to plan our volunteer needs accordingly.

Will there be early bib pick up?

This is something that we would love to provide this year but we are still working out the logistics. More details coming soon!

What is a Cheer Zone?

You may be more familiar with running events calling these something like "water stations" but ours bring a little more heat. Cheer Zones are a one-stop shop for runners to get fueled up, get fired up, and get all the support they need to keep going strong!

Each of our 10 Cheer Zones (stationed every 3-4 miles along the course) are hosted by different local crews and organizations from the community. They're loud and energetic, full of life and vibes, flowing straight from the crowds into those running. Water, electrolytes, music, fuel, snacks, dancing, biofreeze, salt tabs, first aid kits, hugs, high-fives, and a whole lot of smiles, really whatever you need - WE GOT YOU!!

What's the parking/public transportation access to the event like?

The registration, start line and finish line will be on the corner of Washington St. and Dale St. in Roxbury, MA alongside of Malcolm X Park. There is plenty of neighborhood street parking available (no resident permits are required) and free parking in the upper parking lot on Washington St.

The start line is also a 13 minute walk from the MBTA Orange Line Jackson Square station and accessible by the 42 and 44 buses. There are also plenty of bike racks and rentable Bluebike docks at the park.

What does "unsanctioned" mean?

The 26.TRUE Marathon isn't your average marathon experience because it is unsanctioned, meaning that there will not be road closures along the course and runners will run at their own risk on the sidewalks, stop at stoplights, and yield to car traffic.

The 26.TRUE Marathon is not designed to be a fast, competitive, elite "race", but instead is a more inclusive and accessible running tour of The City of Boston. Check out our safety tips in the next FAQ.

How can I stay safe on the course?

Please display your bib so that it is securely attached and visible at all times.

Be aware of your surroundings. If listening to music during the run, please leave one earbud out of your ear to ensure you can hear and notice any activity.

Follow pedestrian and traffic rules at all times and stay on sidewalks. The roads will NOT be blocked off for runners.

Be careful of potholes and other obstructions on the course at the start, finish, and throughout the route. Be considerate of community members utilizing the same sidewalks, paths, and roads as you.

No littering, please! Be respectful of the city streets by throwing away any trash in trash bins along the course or at the cheer zones.

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms on race day, you should not participate in the race, and instead should stay home and call your healthcare provider: Fever (subjective or 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion, nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, or otherwise feeling unwell.

How do I avoid getting lost on the course?

We highly recommend that all runners familiarize themselves with the course ahead of time and download the Strava route to their phone or watch.

We will have course marshal volunteers stationed at all major turns and intersections as well as bike support riders to bike alongside runners to ensure that everyone feels comfortable and confident along the course.

Due to feedback from previous years, we have also increased the mile markers and display arrows on the course at all major turns and intersections.

Will there be bathrooms on the course?

There will be portable toilets available at the start line and post-run party. We will also share a list of unofficial public bathroom stops along the course closer to the event date.

What if I have a medical emergency or injury on the course?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency during the course, stop and dial 911.

If you are unable to complete the course at any point and need to drop out of the run, please notify a volunteer or race director.

All cheer zones (including the start/finish line) and bike support volunteers will carry a first aid kit packed with band aids, gauze, Bio Freeze, salt tablets, ice packs, and Vaseline, available to aid minor injuries at any time.

If needed, in the event of a medical emergency, we will contact your emergency contact person.

What's the post-run party about?

Details are still emerging as we wait to confirm our sponsors and vendors this year. Some things we're excited to offer are a food truck with meal tickets for all runners and volunteers, a DJ setting the vibes, and a recovery station to help you get your legs right. Check back for more info closer to the event!

I lost something at the event! Is there a Lost & Found?

Yes! All lost items will be delivered to the PIONEERS Information Tent at the post-run party. After the event, please email us at 26.true@pioneersrc.com about any missing items and we will do our best to return them to you.

All unclaimed items will be donated or discarded after 30 days.

I registered but I am no longer able to run. Now what?

Unfortunately, due to the capacity of our small, volunteer-led organizing team, we are no longer able to accept deferrals or registration transfers for runners who register but are unable to run. Registration fees are also non-refundable. If you are unable to run this year, we hope you will join us again next year!

Where can I learn more about 26.TRUE's mission and past events?

Books that mention 26.TRUE:

  • Running While Black by Alison Mariella Désir
  • Born to Run 2 by Christopher McDougall

Press from 2024's Event:

Press from previous events: