Boston's Pioneers Run Crew Hosts 26.True Marathon for All Abilities

The volunteer-led race celebrates community, equity, and accessibility in running.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 1:38am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the dynamic motion and energy of runners in a marathon event, with faces and logos dissolved into unrecognizable brushstrokes.The 26.True Marathon celebrates community, equity, and the joy of running through Boston's diverse neighborhoods.Boston Today

Pioneers Run Crew, Boston's first Black and Brown-led running community, is hosting its sixth annual 26.True Marathon this weekend. The race aims to build community, inspire the next generation, and make running accessible to all abilities by offering a non-timed course through Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and Mattapan. After the Boston Marathon was canceled during the pandemic, Pioneers created 26.True to fill the gap and celebrate the city's diverse neighborhoods.

Why it matters

The 26.True Marathon provides an inclusive running event that centers equity, representation, and community engagement. By hosting the race in Boston's historically Black and brown neighborhoods, Pioneers Run Crew is normalizing running in these areas and inspiring the next generation to get involved in health and wellness.

The details

The 26.True Marathon course is 13.1 miles, with runners completing the route once for the half marathon or twice for the full marathon. The race is entirely volunteer-led and not timed, ensuring accessibility for runners of all abilities. Pioneers Run Crew was founded in 2017 as Boston's first Black and Brown-led running community, and the 26.True Marathon was created during the pandemic when the Boston Marathon was canceled for the first time in its history.

  • The 26.True Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • Pioneers Run Crew hosted the first 26.True Marathon in 2021.

The players

Pioneers Run Crew

Boston's first Black and Brown-led running community, founded in 2017 with the goal of building community through running.

Aliese Lash

A captain of the Pioneers Run Crew and a Race Director of the 26.True Marathon and Half Marathon.

Jaia Peabody

A rising leader in the Pioneers Run Crew who is excited to show people that running is for everyone.

Lanisha Harrison

A runner who participated in the Boston Marathon while two months pregnant and is now connecting with her community through the 26.True Marathon.

Sharon Lee

A captain of Pioneers Run Crew and a Race Director for the 26.True Marathon.

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What they’re saying

“There's the other marathon that happens the following Monday every year and that race will always be loved. That race is so significant and historic to the community. But what we're creating is different and I feel really, really proud to be a part of that.”

— Aliese Lash, Captain of Pioneers Run Crew and Race Director of 26.True Marathon

“I like showing people that there's a different outlet. Showing kids that there are other things to do. It's not just for a certain demographic or for a certain community. You can get out there and run, you deserve to be out there and run, and I know that it means a lot to them to see people who look like them doing this. That's incredible to me.”

— Jaia Peabody, Rising Leader in Pioneers Run Crew

“To see people that look like you, it gives you more of an inclination to actually go outside and do it. And we see it all the time when we're running through the community. People are stopping their cars, they're yelling, cheering us on. It actually pushes us to go on further as well.”

— Lanisha Harrison, Runner

What’s next

Runners can sign up for the 26.True Marathon or Half Marathon on the Pioneers Run Crew website. The Finish Line Block Party will be held at Malcolm X Park on the corner of Dale and Washington Streets, and the Pioneers Run Crew's Instagram page has information on cheer zones along the course.

The takeaway

The 26.True Marathon is an inspiring example of how grassroots, community-driven events can make running more accessible and inclusive, especially in neighborhoods that have historically been underserved. By centering equity, representation, and local culture, Pioneers Run Crew is creating a running experience that celebrates the diversity of Boston.