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Puma’s Project3 Is Here To Make You Feel Like A Pro

The contest is offering 100 lucky marathoners a chance to get elite-level support from the brand

Puma's Project3 Is Here To Make You Feel Like A Pro 1
Runners at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Photo: Derek Call

The brand Puma is leaning even harder into running.

In recent years, the German company has doubled down on its commitment to distance running, first by launching a solid roster of trainers and super shoes (including the Deviate Nitro Elite series, which has done well at Marathon Majors), and then by investing in elites, including track stars like 400m hurdler Karsten Warholm and American marathoners such as Dakota Popehn and Fiona O’Keeffe.

And now Puma is launching Project3, a concept targeting serious recreational runners. The project will provide a select group of amateurs a taste of what it’s defining as pro-level perks. If youโ€™re one of the 100 runners chosen for the 2025 Boston or London Marathons, youโ€™ll get exclusive access to gear, coaching, and other incentives that are supposed to give you the pro feeling. But is this the boost youโ€™ve been waiting for or just a flashy extra? Letโ€™s dive in.

What Is Project3?

Puma is stepping up to support amateur marathon runners in style, offering selected runners an opportunity to train like pros (or at least look like them). Youโ€™ll get exclusive access to unreleased Puma gear, expert coaching, and even a shot at some cash prizes. Itโ€™s part performance boost, part marketing magicโ€”and honestly, itโ€™s a pretty intriguing mix.

The Perks:

  1. Exclusive Gear
    Think prototype running shoes and apparel that no one else has. Not only will you feel like an insider, but you might also turn a few heads at the start line.
  2. Elite-Level Coaching
    Pumaโ€™s coaches, athletes, and performance specialists are in your corner, offering insights that could give you an edge. Whether itโ€™s advice on pacing or recovery hacks, this is the kind of support thatโ€™s usually reserved for the pros.
  3. Cash Incentives
    Hereโ€™s where it gets competitive: shave three minutes off your marathon PR, and you could earn $3,000. The fastest Project3 runners at Boston and London get another $3,000 each. If youโ€™re a speedster with a shot at the podium (but maybe not the race podium itself), this could be your moment.
  4. Extra Rewards
    Six standout participants will win an all-expenses-paid trip to a Puma-sponsored race later in the year, plus $5,000 worth of training gear. Thatโ€™s some serious runnerโ€™s bling.

Who Can Apply?

If youโ€™re already in the Boston or London Marathon and have a marathon PR of 3:10 or faster, congratulationsโ€”youโ€™re eligible! But fair warning: the competition for these 100 spots is bound to be fierce, so bring your A-game when you apply.

The Catch?

While the perks are sweet, keep in mind that Project3 is as much about promoting Puma as it is about elevating your training (well, probably more so, really). Youโ€™ll likely need to represent the brand at events and races, which is cool if youโ€™re into it, but worth considering if you prefer flying under the radar.

Pumaโ€™s Comeback in the Elite Running Game

If youโ€™ve been paying attention to the running world, youโ€™ve probably noticed Puma making some serious moves to reclaim its spot among the elite. From innovative race shoes to signing big-name athletes, the brand is determined to remind everyone itโ€™s more than just casual streetwearโ€”itโ€™s here to play at the highest level.

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Race Shoes That Are Turning Heads

Puma has been rolling out a lineup of performance-focused race shoes aimed at challenging industry heavyweights like Nike and Adidas:

  • Deviate NITRO Elite: This carbon-plated racing shoe packs Pumaโ€™s signature NITRO foam, offering lightweight cushioning and serious responsiveness. Itโ€™s made for runners looking to shave minutes off their marathon times.
  • Fast-R NITRO Elite: Featuring a split-plate design and ultra-lightweight midsole, this shoe was created for elite runners looking for max propulsion on race day.
  • ForeverRUN NITRO: While marketed more as a stability trainer, this shoe showcases Pumaโ€™s commitment to versatility and innovation for all runners, from beginners to pros.

These shoes are helping Puma rebuild its credibility as a serious player in the competitive running footwear market.

Puma's Project3 Is Here To Make You Feel Like A Pro 2
Puma athlete Fiona O’Keeffe en route to winning the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials. Photo: Derek Call

Athletes Bringing PUMA Back to the Spotlight

No comeback is complete without star power, and PUMA has been busy signing some top-tier athletes to lead the charge:

  • Fiona Oโ€™Keeffe: One of the brightest young stars in American distance running, Oโ€™Keeffe has been setting the track on fire with her performances. As part of PUMAโ€™s growing roster, sheโ€™s bringing attention to the brandโ€™s investment in up-and-coming talent.
  • Molly Seidel: The Tokyo 2020 Olympic bronze medalist in the marathon joined PUMAโ€™s team in 2022, giving the brand a high-profile presence in the marathon world. Seidel’s blend of underdog and personality has made her a fan favoriteโ€”and a great ambassador for PUMAโ€™s push into distance running.
  • PUMA Elite Running Team: Based in North Carolina, this professional team includes top talent like Steven Fahy and Taylor Werner. The teamโ€™s focus spans from mid-distance track events to marathons, signaling PUMAโ€™s commitment to a wide range of running disciplines.

Should You Apply?

If youโ€™re a fast marathoner with a love for new gear and the thrill of competition, Project3 could be an exciting opportunity. Itโ€™s not every day you get a chance to train like an elite and snag some freebies along the way. But if youโ€™re hoping for a total game-changer or a guaranteed VIP experience, you might want to temper your expectations.

Pumaโ€™s Project3 strikes a fun balance between elevating your performance and their own brand promotion. For those who qualify, itโ€™s undoubtedly a unique experience, providing a little extra motivation (and swag) thrown in for good measure.

Ready to take the leap? Applications are open until Jan. 27, 2025, at Pumaโ€™s Project3 site.

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Jessy Carveth

Senior News Editor

Jessy has been active her whole life, competing in cross-country, track running, and soccer throughout her undergrad. She pivoted to road cycling after completing her Bachelor of Kinesiology with Nutrition from Acadia University. Jessy is currently a professional road cyclist living and training in Spain.

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