26.TRUE Marathon & Half Marathon 2026

Some favorite moments from 2025 Volunteers

"When we were able to talk with local members of the community who approached and asked us about the event. One gentleman was in awe of the runners and said that while he had always wanted to see the Boston Marathon, he was never able to get over to the course; he was thrilled to have been able to witness runners racing 26.True! (And of course, I loved being able to cheer for, encourage, and support the runners, esp on such a hot and challenging race day!)"

"Word came out that a runner had taken a wrong turn and needed help to get back on track. I was closest so I raced over to find him and guide the runner back on track. He was into his second loop and this was his first marathon so talking to him about his experience and training was really energizing. He was grateful for the company and I really enjoyed being able to directly help a runner get closer to his finish line. "

"It feels like a real celebration and everyone can participate. I loved getting to cheer on all the runners in the neighborhood I teach -it allowed me to experience the sights and smells on a Saturday morning (and I got some Roti to go). "

"Can’t pick a favorite! It’s an incredible day all around. "

NOTE: All volunteers will be required to attend a mandatory, virtual volunteer huddle on Tuesday 4/14 so we can set expectations and ensure that everyone is on the same page for race day.

Pre-Event Prep (weekday evening before marathon) - Monday 4/13

There are a lot of moving pieces on race day but there are also a ton of behind-the-scenes actions to help get things ready for the event. We will need to sort all of the swag/gear from sponsors, prep the runner's race kits, and compile party-packs for the race day volunteers. This is a great opportunity for someone local who is excited to be involved with the event but isn't able to volunteer on race day. Expect a commitment of a few hours in the evening on Monday 4/13 in Roxbury involving organization, list-making, and double/triple checking. If you like spreadsheets - this is probably for you.

Pre-Race Bib Pick Up & Volunteer Check-in (day before marathon) - Friday 4/17

This role helps our runners and volunteers sign in and get their swag the day before the race and skip the lines on the big day. Help us welcome our runners and volunteers and hype them up for race day!

Pre-Race Set Up (day before marathon) - Friday 4/17

These volunteers help set up the recreation center where runners and volunteers sign in on race day. We'll need some people comfortable carrying heavier items to/from cars and others who can set up the space with an eye for detail and creating an optimal flow of people. Help us ensure the space is stocked and organized to help ensure a smooth race day morning.

Start Line (set up/registration/bag check) - Saturday 4/18

These volunteers will need to arrive bright and early on race day and will be wearing several hats. They will be helping with the actual setup of the start/finish line area including chalking the start/finish line, putting up tent(s), opening tables, organizing runner’s race kits, checking in runners, checking runner’s bags, and generally answering questions from participants and spectators. Expect some physical tasks mixed with a lot of customer service and human interaction.

Course Marshals A (assist with directions at turns in first half of day - 7am-12pm) - Saturday 4/18

The race course covers 13.1 miles throughout Boston so naturally it has some twists and turns. There are key intersections along the route that require course marshals to help ensure that runners don’t get lost. Each location will have at least 2 course marshals assigned so that no1 gets bored/lonely which makes this a great opportunity to sign up with a friend! We recognize that marathons can take a long time so this year we are implementing 2 shifts. This shift, Course Marshals A, will be to start the race and cover the first loop of the course as runners complete miles 1 -13 so the commitment is earlier in the day. Expect some moments of downtime interspersed with some action-packed excitement and really cool experiences as runners come by in groups. Consider bringing a camp chair and some snacks so you can really post up and enjoy yourself!

Course Marshals B (assist with directions at turns in the second half of day - 11:30am-4pm or until the last runner passes) - Saturday 4/18

The race course covers 13.1 miles throughout Boston so naturally it has some twists and turns. There are key intersections along the route that require course marshals to help ensure that runners don’t get lost. Each location will have at least 2 course marshals assigned so that no1 gets bored/lonely which makes this a great opportunity to sign up with a friend! We recognize that marathons can take a long time so this year we are implementing 2 shifts. This shift, Course Marshals B, will be to finish the race and cover the second loop of the course as runners complete miles 14 - 26 so the commitment is later in the morning/into the afternoon. Expect some moments of downtime interspersed with some action-packed excitement and really cool experiences as runners come by in groups. Consider bringing a camp chair and some snacks so you can really post up and enjoy yourself!

Finish Line A (tape/medals/water/bag return - 8AM to 12PM) - Saturday 4/18

This is where the magic happens. Folks set out at the beginning of this race just to make it back to YOU at the finish line. We don’t even need to tell you to bring the hype because you are going to be so excited once you see these runners coming through! This volunteer opportunity involves several different tasks including holding finish line tape, distributing finisher’s medals, stocking/staffing a hydration station with water and fuel, and returning bags that were checked pre-race. We recognize that marathons can take a long time so this year we are implementing 2 shifts. This shift will begin around the 1-hour mark to prepare for our speediest half marathoners (8AM) and end at the 4-hour finishing mark for marathoners (11AM). Expect to be on your feet throughout, feel a lot of joy, and deal with a bit of organized chaos as runners and their loved ones congregate (and probably need to be gently cleared from the finish line area).

Finish Line B (tape/medals/water/bag return - 11AM to 3PM) - Saturday 4/18

This is where the magic happens. Folks set out at the beginning of this race just to make it back to YOU at the finish line. We don’t even need to tell you to bring the hype because you are going to be so excited once you see these runners coming through! This volunteer opportunity involves several different tasks including holding finish line tape, distributing finisher’s medals, stocking/staffing a hydration station with water and fuel, and returning bags that were checked pre-race. This shift will begin around the 3.5 hour finishing mark (10:30am) and run until the 7-hour finishing mark (2pm). Expect to be on your feet throughout, feel a lot of joy, and deal with a bit of organized chaos as runners and their loved ones congregate (and probably need to be gently cleared from the finish line area).

Clean Up & Breakdown (after race ends) - Saturday 4/18

Once the last runner comes through (and we go CRAZY cheering for them) we will need to break everything down and clean up after the event. This is a shorter commitment and comes later in the day so perfect for those who aren’t morning people. This shift will begin around 1pm and will include collecting trash, breaking down tents and tables, hauling equipment to vehicles, and generally leaving the space better than we found it. Expect a fair amount of physical tasks and to use some logistic/organizational skills to ensure everything is packed up correctly and gets to where it needs to go.

Miscellaneous/TBD

This is our catch-all placeholder for anything else that we may need. As the event gets closer we will have a better idea of where we will still need support so we will be reaching out about assignments ASAP once we have the info!

Separate Registration --

Cheer Zone/Hydration Stations - Saturday 4/18

NOTE: If you are affiliated with a local running organization that you think will be hosting a cheer zone please do NOT sign up for any other volunteer assignments!

This is the group that needs to bring the noise, the vibes, the ENERGY!! Cheer Zone leads will pick up their party-packs and deploy to their locations throughout the city to set up fuel and hydration for the runners. More than just being supply stops, these areas are energy boosts and need to really hype up each and every runner on their journey through Boston. Think signs, noisemakers, chalk on the ground, cheering, dancing, and love. Expect to experience joy, an overwhelming sense of being a part of something bigger than yourself, and to probably lose your voice (if you’re doing it right). At this time we are planning to partner with run crews from near and far for this year’s Cheer Zone/Hydration Station needs. If you are part of a group that would be interested in hosting/co-hosting a Cheer Zone please complete this form.

Bike Support - Saturday 4/18

Bike Support Registration Form

This team will be biking along the course and assisting runners in a variety of ways including helping runners to not get lost, offering encouragement, providing fuel/hydration if necessary, helping with safety (it is an open course), and keeping race organizers informed with updates throughout the event. Expect to bike 15+ miles while carrying 10-15 pounds of supplies that runners may need. There will be a mandatory virtual volunteer huddle on Monday 4/13 so we can set expectations and ensure that everyone is on the same page for race day.