PUMA Project3 Boston & London 2026 brings the groundbreaking marathon program back to two of the world’s most iconic races.
What to know
- Project3 returns for the 2026 Boston and London Marathons
- 300 runners selected in total: 100 in Boston, 200 in London
- $3,000 cash bonus for breaking a marathon PB by three minutes or more
- $3,000 awarded to the fastest Project3 male and female at each race
- Over $160,000 paid out to runners in 2025
- Applications open January 26 and close January 30 via puma-project3.com
Turning sub-elite runners into race-day elites
Project3 gives competitive amateur runners a rare opportunity: to experience marathon preparation the way elite athletes do. Selected participants gain access to PUMA’s Elite Running Team coaches, elite athletes, and innovation experts, all focused on optimizing performance across the full training cycle.
Equally important, runners will race in PUMA’s most advanced footwear. The program includes the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, one of the most talked-about marathon shoes of last year, alongside the soon-to-launch Deviate NITRO™ Elite 4. Together, they represent PUMA’s top-tier race-day innovation.
A proven formula, backed by results
In its debut year, Project3 delivered measurable impact. Across Boston, London, and New York, 269 athletes from more than 13 countries took part. Nearly 100 runners set new personal bests, while 48 shattered their PBs by three minutes or more, triggering the $3,000 performance bonus.
In total, PUMA awarded over $160,000 in prize money, establishing Project3 as the most lucrative sub-elite marathon program in history.
“Last year, Project3 turned the run community on its head,” said Lucas Maher, Senior Athlete Activation Manager at PUMA. “The results speak volumes and made the decision to run it back for 2026 a very easy one.”
What Project3 participants can expect
Beyond race-day footwear and financial incentives, Project3 is built around access. Participants receive guidance on training structure, recovery, and race strategy, while also becoming part of a global running community brought together at two of the sport’s most iconic events: the Boston Marathon and the London Marathon.
The $3,000 bonus remains a central motivator, awarded not only for breaking PBs but also to the fastest Project3 finishers and the runner who improves by the largest margin overall.
How to apply
Applicants must already hold a valid entry for either the 2026 Boston or London Marathon. Minimum qualifying PBs are 3:00 for men and 3:15 for women.
Applications open at 11:00 (EST) / 16:00 (GMT) on Monday, January 26, and close at midnight on Friday, January 30. Full details and applications are available at puma-project3.com.
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