Puma is bringing back Project3 in 2026, its high-profile sub-elite marathon program that offers amateur runners elite-level support and cash rewards. The initiative will return at the Boston and London Marathons, with applications opening this week.
Project3 will select 300 runners in total, 100 racing Boston and 200 racing London. Those chosen will receive coaching access, race-day gear, and the chance to earn performance-based prize money, including $3,000 bonuses.
The program was first launched in 2025 and quickly became one of the most talked-about brand activations in distance running.
A Big Incentive for Fast Amateurs
The headline incentive remains unchanged. Any Project3 participant who improves their marathon personal best by three minutes or more will receive a $3,000 cash bonus.
Puma will also award $3,000 to the fastest male and female Project3 runners at each race, as well as $3,000 to the runner who records the largest overall time improvement across the program.
In total, Puma paid out more than $160,000 in prize money during Project3’s debut year in 2025, making it one of the most lucrative sub-elite marathon programs ever launched.
What Selected Runners Receive
Beyond prize money, Project3 is designed to replicate aspects of a professional athlete experience.
Participants receive direct access to PUMA Elite Running Team coaches, elite PUMA athletes, and innovation staff. The program includes guidance throughout the training cycle, covering preparation, racing strategy, and performance support.
Each runner will also receive a full kit of PUMA race-day products, including the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 and the soon-to-launch Deviate NITRO Elite 4.
“Last year, Project3 turned the run community on its head,” said Lucas Maher, PUMA’s Senior Athlete Activation Manager. “We had three incredible race days in Boston, London and New York, where we brought the global run community together and put the science around Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 to the ultimate test. The results speak volumes and made the decision to run it back for 2026 a very easy one.”
Strong Results in the First Year
In 2025, Project3 included 269 runners from more than 13 countries. Nearly 100 athletes set new marathon personal bests, and 48 runners improved by three minutes or more, triggering the $3,000 performance bonus.
Project3 initially launched at the Boston and London Marathons before expanding to the New York City Marathon later in the year.
PUMA says the program also served as a real-world test for the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, which the brand has described as its fastest race shoe to date.
Who Can Apply
Project3 is open to runners who already hold a valid entry to either the 2026 Boston Marathon or the 2026 London Marathon.
Male applicants must have a marathon personal best of 3:00 or faster. Female applicants must have run 3:15 or faster.
Applicants must submit proof of their personal best and complete a written application as part of the selection process. Only complete applications will be considered.
Applications open at 11:00 a.m. EST (4:00 p.m. GMT) on Monday, January 26, and close at 11:59 p.m. EST on Friday, January 30.
Runners can apply at puma-project3.com.
For sub-elite marathoners chasing a breakthrough performance, Project3 remains one of the few programs offering both meaningful financial rewards and access to elite-level support on the sport’s biggest stages.
