Squirrel Run XXVIII

(All images by Frances Ramirez/@franipac) The 26.TRUE Marathon & Half Marathon are specifically designed to amplify and celebrate the culture and diversity that make up the City of Boston. The route takes runners right through the heart of the city so that they can feel the pulse. It highlights neighborhoods and uplifts communities that are often overlooked during the Boston marathon weekend. We invite you to join us as we come together in defiance of history’s divisions, to embrace old spaces in new ways, and to run a half and full marathon that is so much more than just a race. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP! CLICK HERE FOR HALF & FULL TRAINING PLANS Year 6 The iron anniversary. A time to reflect on strength and resilience. 26.TRUE has taken on new meaning each and every time we have come together to run it over the past 5 years. Last year we organized the first-ever full marathon that has been run entirely within Boston's city limits. This year we are leaning into that

evolution as we host the only half marathon currently run entirely within Boston's city limits. We are excited to have you join us in April to keep pushing forward as we continue to run... Our City. Our Way. CLICK HERE FOR STRAVA ROUTE MAP Complete once for half marathon Complete twice for full marathon THE ROUTE We're running it back with the same route from last year. A 13.1 mile loop that will take runners through Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Dorchester, and into Mattapan. One loop for the half marathon, two loops for the full. Runners start in Malcolm X Park and quickly enter Franklin Park, the city's largest green space, before exiting into Jamaica Plain. Runners will travel along the beautiful SW Corridor Park until Roxbury Crossing where they will pass the storied Reggie Lewis Track & Athletic Center and continue into historic Nubian Square. Warren St will connect the route to Blue Hill Avenue and a loop around Harambee Park will take runners right by Dorchester Center. The southern tip

of the course takes a quick dip into Mattapan before returning to Franklin Park and back to the start/finish line. 26.TRUE Marathon is an open-course route without road closures and although we will have course marshals, cheer zones, and hydration stations along the course, runners will be required to run at their own risk RUNNER REGISTRATION INCLUDES Entry to our Marathon or Half Marathon with a one-of-a-kind route through the heart of The City of Boston A training plan designed by local certified run coaches (Beginner and Intermediate levels) - COMING SOON! A 26.TRUE Souvenir Bib A 26.TRUE Custom Marathon/Half Marathon Finisher's Medal A 26.TRUE Custom Marathon/Half Marathon Finisher's Jacket A Swag Bag with Collectibles from our Sponsors One Meal Ticket One Drink Ticket "This is the real Boston Marathon." - Mayor Michelle Wu SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE! Please reach out to us at 26.true@pioneersrc.com. We would love to explore ways that you can support the event! If you

don't already, be sure to follow PIONEERS Run Crew (@pioneersrc) & 26.TRUE (@26.trueMarathon) on Instagram! Pending the license approvals from the City of Boston

ABOUT THE COLONIAL ROAD RUNNERS BOSTON MARATHON BUS

If you are a South Shore runner who is registered for the 2026 Boston Marathon, here is the best way to get to Hopkinton on race day (Monday, April 20), without having to travel into Boston to take a BAA shuttle bus. Colonial Road Runners sponsors a comfortable intercity "coach" bus that goes directly to Hopkinton from the Braintree MBTA Red Line Station. In Hopkinton, the bus will be parked near the Athletes Village at Hopkinton High School, in a lot set aside by the BAA exclusively for running clubs. The bus will remain in Hopkinton, and available for your use, until after all of the marathon "waves" are underway.

SECURITY MEASURES

According to the BAA, runners using our bus “should be prepared for inspection.” Also, while runners will be allowed to have personal items (food, clothing, etc.) on the bus, be aware that THERE WILL NOT BE ANY BAGGAGE TRANSPORTATION FROM HOPKINTON TO BOSTON. (The CRR bus does NOT go to Boston after the race begins, and will NOT provide transportation back from Boston to Braintree.)

DEPARTURE LOCATION

The Colonial Bus will depart from the Braintree MBTA Red Line Station, located near the Union Street exit from Route 3 (Exit 40, formerly Exit 17). (Street address: 197 Ivory Street, Braintree) This will allow you to park at the adjacent MBTA garage ($9/day), and return by subway or commuter rail to your car after finishing the Boston Marathon.

DEPARTURE TIME

6:30 AM SHARP! This departure time is based on the BAA's required arrival time in Hopkinton for club buses.

COST

Registration for the bus is $40 per person. Colonial Road Runners members receive a $10 discount (automatically applied at checkout), for a net cost of $30. You can sign up for a Colonial Road Runners membership during the registration process for the Bus, and receive the $10 member's discount immediately! (For full information on Colonial Road Runners, visit www.colonialrunners.org.)

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Colonial Road Runners Boston Marathon Bus is available ONLY to runners who are registered for the Boston Marathon.

Bus registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration fees are non-refundable.

Virtually every family in the United States has been touched by mental illness or addiction. Interfaith Social Services is hosting the Stop the Stigma 5K to support our loved ones, challenge stereotypes, encourage acceptance and eliminate stigmas, all while raising funds for our New Directions Counseling Center. New Directions serves anyone seeking counseling, but we pride ourselves on being a safety net for the uninsured and underinsured members of our community. New Directions makes mental health care accessible to everyone by offering a sliding scale payment system.

The need for our affordable counseling services has been amplified over the past few years with the cost of healthcare skyrocketing. Our New Directions' therapists are here to answer the calls for help and working with our clients to alleviate their pain and suffering.

This year's Stop the Stigma 5K will feature an in-person race on Saturday, April 25 at The Kennedy Center (440 East Squantum St in North Quincy, MA). Participants are welcome to run or walk on the scenic route through the Squantum neighborhood. It is a stroller and dog friendly event.

Registration fee schedule:

January 7 - 31: Ages 13+ $40 pp, Ages 6-12 $15 pp (under 6 is free)

February 1 - April 24: Ages 13+ $45 pp, Ages 6-12 $20 pp (under 6 is free)

April 25 (Race Day): Ages 13+ $50 pp, Ages 6-12 $25 pp (under 6 is free)

PLEASE NOTE: YOU MUST REGISTER BY MARCH 27 TO BE GUARANTEED A STOP THE STIGMA 5K T-SHIRT

Empowering Dorchester youth to move with confidence, lead with purpose, and grow through community.

SelfLuv in Motion is a FREE 6-week youth athletic and character development program designed for children ages 4–13 in the Dorchester community.

This structured outdoor series builds strong bodies, confident minds, and positive leadership skills through age-based running instruction, agility training, teamwork challenges, and mindset development all within a supportive and empowering environment.

Participant Groups

Participants will be grouped by age to ensure developmentally appropriate instruction:

Mini Movers (Ages 4–6)

Fun movement games and foundational motor skill development.

Rising Runners (Ages 7–9)

Skill building, teamwork, and personal goal setting.

Future Leaders (Ages 10–13)

Endurance training, leadership roles, accountability, and confidence development.

Program Details

Location: Harambee Park

15 Talbot Ave

Dorchester, MA 02124

Sundays | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

April 26 – June 7, 2026

Cost: FREE

Limited to 40 participants

Spots are intentionally limited to ensure personalized attention and a high-quality experience for every child.

This is a structured 6-week cohort program. Consistent attendance is expected to maintain enrollment. Families are encouraged to commit to the full series to ensure the best experience for their child.

📆 Session Dates

• April 26

• May 3

• May 10

• May 17

• May 31

• June 7

The series concludes with a community Celebration Run that recognizes participants' growth, leadership, and achievement.

Join us for the FIRST ANNUAL Hull Pride Over the Rainbow 5k Run!

• Full 3.22 mile out-and-back route

• Starts and finishes at Hull High School

• Course designed to minimize time on main roads

• All paces welcome, including walkers

• Stroller and dog-friendly event

Whether you're sprinting for a personal best or enjoying a casual walk with your four-legged friend, this event is for everyone! Register today to secure your spot in Hull's newest pride celebration.

Hull Pride is an LGBTQIA+ non-profit 501(c)(3) community organization that celebrates and uplifts the LGBTQIA+ community in Hull, Massachusetts through inclusive events, advocacy, philanthropy, and connection. We create a welcoming environment where all identities are seen, valued, and empowered building a stronger, more supportive, and more vibrant Hull for everyone.