Competing Against Boston Marathon, How COVID-19 Pandemic Brought Another Long Distance Race to the Fore

In a surprising turn of events amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a new long-distance race has emerged as a formidable competitor to the renowned Boston Marathon. This unexpected development underscores the resilience and adaptability of the running community in the face of unprecedented challenges. 

It’s a true saying, “Right on Hereford… Left on Boylston”. When you approach the finish line of what’s seen as the ultimate amateur distance run, these words echo in your mind. How about “Right on Washington, left on Dale?” Pioneers Run crew’s 26.True Marathon,  is an inclusive, untimed race spanning Boston’s neighborhoods, ending with the turns at Washington and Dale, welcomes all runners and communities. Stay tuned as we delve into the details of this remarkable feat and explore how the pandemic has created innovation in the world of sports.

According to Boston.com, the 26.True Marathon set by Pioneers Run Crew mainly focuses on participation of any runners who might be excluded from the Boston Marathon. “We realized the city of Boston doesn’t truly have a marathon, even though it has one by name,” before the start of the race on Saturday, April 15, Pioneers co-captain Barak Soreff addressed runners and volunteers, emphasizing, “We figured it was time that the city deserved one.” After the Boston Marathon’s first-ever cancellation in 2020 due to COVID-19, the BAA offered registered runners a virtual marathon option with finisher medals. Pioneers co-captain Aliese Lash said, “We had a bunch of friends from the team, from Pioneers who were planning to run Boston and then all of a sudden they had to pivot at the last minute”. 

He told them that they had been dreaming of designing a route that traversed Boston’s neighborhoods, realizing that the moment had arrived and it was their opportunity to do so. Jeremy Guevara couldn’t shake the thought “I wasn’t supposed to be here” during his 2022 Boston Marathon run. After this 26.True, a marathon within Boston, was created due to the Boston Marathon’s predominantly white nature, aiming to make long-distance running more inclusive for people of color. 26.True Marathon course winds through a variety of Boston neighborhoods, such as Dorchester Avenue, River Street, Massachusetts Avenue, and Commonwealth Avenue, intentionally bypassing affluent suburbs. A good fast about 26.True Marathon in Boston offers an inclusive alternative to the exclusive Boston Marathon, welcoming all runners regardless of speed or fundraising abilities. 

26.True Marathon embraces diversity in Boston’s running community

During the distressed moment due to COVID-19 pandemic the first in-person 26.True Marathon race took place on October 9, 2021, when social distancing forced the Boston Marathon online. Members of the Pioneer Run Crew thought it was “our chance to have our own route,” said Aliese Lash, one of the group’s captains. Registration fees for the Marathon ranged from $230 to $375, based on the participant’s qualification status (US resident, international participant, or invitational runner). In contrast, organizers of the 26.True Marathon event charged between $75 and $100 for registration this year, with the cost depending on the timing of the runner’s sign-up.

Despite the pandemic, the 26.True for the fourth year gained more than 200 runners through the 26.2 mile tour through Boston’s diverse neighborhoods on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Embracing the diversity, the 26.True Marathon’s community reflects a broader movement within the running community to create more inclusive and equitable spaces for all participants.