26.2 Foundation

06/23/2026

This Pride Month, we would like to take the opportunity to spotlight the athletes, advocates, and community leaders helping make running more inclusive for everyone.

Here are 6 LGBTQ+ voices helping make running more inclusive for everyone:

🇺🇸 Chris Mosier | Trans Athlete - A pioneering transgender endurance athlete and advocate who has helped expand opportunities for trans athletes in sport.

🇺🇸 J Solle - Runner, race director, and community leader dedicated to creating welcoming spaces for LGBTQ+ runners.

🇰🇷🇺🇸 Schuyler Bailar - Athlete, author, and speaker using the power of sport to promote acceptance, visibility, and belonging.

🇨🇦 Gabriela DeBues-Stafford - Olympic runner and Canadian record holder who has helped increase LGBTQ+ visibility in elite sport.

🇬🇧 Tom Bosworth MBE - Olympic racewalker and outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ representation and inclusion in athletics.

🇳🇿 Naomi Brand - Professional ultra-runner inspiring others through adventure, authenticity, and a passion for the trail running community.

Their stories remind us that running is about courage, community, belonging, and creating space for everyone to participate and thrive.

06/21/2026

A Grand Slam at Fenway Park ⚾️

Last month, we had the chance to volunteer at something truly special: the Fenway Park Marathon - the only marathon run inside a Major League Baseball stadium!

Originally launched in 2017, this year’s edition brought together around 65 runners taking on a full marathon, half marathon, or relay (2–5 person teams).

From the moment athletes checked in at the visitor’s clubhouse, it was clear this was no ordinary race.

They passed through the tunnel to the dugout and out to center field for 113 laps inside one of the most iconic ballparks in sports. Each lap came alive with music, live tracking, name displays, and even the Red Sox game on the jumbotron - while spectators watched every step from the stands, start to finish.

At the end, runners were welcomed in the Dell Technologies Club for a celebratory meal, and a goodie bag featuring a Red Sox hat, a copy of Dave McGillivary’s book, ‘Finish Strong’, and even a bit of Fenway Park dirt.

Congratulations to the winners: Dan Koh took the men’s marathon in 3:30:27, Pauline Santry won the women’s marathon in 3:44:45, and the half marathon titles went to Jacob Walker and Antonia Pagliuca.

What an incredible day inside Fenway!

Photo Credit: DMSE’s Bob Lussier

06/18/2026

Running has the power to bring people together - and organizations like the Running Industry Diversity Coalition Running Industry Diversity Coalition are helping ensure the sport becomes more inclusive, representative, and accessible for all.

Through education, advocacy, leadership development, and industry collaboration, RIDC is creating meaningful change across the running world.

Their work supports diverse voices, strengthens community connection, and helps shape a future where everyone can see themselves in the sport.

The future of running is stronger when everyone has a place at the starting line, and RIDC is helping make that happen ✨

06/16/2026

She once stood at a starting line on the Mescalero Apache reservation, a little girl afraid she “wouldn’t be able to do the mountains” - just trying to keep up with her dad.

Today, Missy Hendricks is conquering 250 of them.

After running the Boston Marathon® presented by Bank of America with , Missy Hendricks (Mescalero Apache) completed the Cocodona 250, one of the most grueling ultramarathons on the planet, spanning 250 miles of rugged Arizona terrain.

Missy once said: “I always think back to myself as a little Native girl who thought she was never going to be seen or ever be in these spaces.”

She’s in those spaces now. And she’s holding the door wide open for every little girl watching.

“We had the pleasure of meeting Missy when she came to Boston, and she left a lasting impression. It wasn’t just her grit and determination that inspired us, but the deep connection she carries to her heritage and the meaning she brings to every single mile. Kind, humble, and fiercely determined, Missy is the kind of person who reminds you why running is about so much more than the finish line.” – Kim Chisholm

Congratulations, Missy. You are proof that running is in your DNA and that dreaming that big is exactly what we should all be doing.

Article Source: Meet The Native American Women Taking On The Boston Marathon - Yahoo Sports

06/14/2026

🎧🏃‍♀️ Today in Running History by Hillary Barrett, is a podcast that highlights some of the sport’s most memorable moments, legendary athletes, and untold stories back to life - one day at a time.

From historic marathon performances to iconic milestones in endurance sports, each episode takes a deeper look at the moments that shaped running culture and inspired generations of athletes around the world.

If you love marathon history and the stories behind the sport, this podcast is a great reminder that every finish line is part of something much bigger 👟✨

06/11/2026

The future International Marathon Center™ will be the place where marathon culture, history, education, and human connection all come together under one roof.

It will be designed to inspire people from all walks of life through the power of endurance and the stories behind every mile.

So, who is the IMC for?

👟 Marathon participants chasing new goals

🎒 School groups learning through sport and history

🌎 Global marathon travelers and visitors

🙌 Marathon volunteers and community leaders

💪 Health and wellness enthusiasts

🎙 Storytellers, influencers, and voices in the sport

👏 Spectators inspired by the energy of race day

🏅 Endurance athletes pushing human potential

At its core, the IMC will be about bringing people together. Whether you run marathons or simply love what the sport represents, there will be a place for you here 💙✨

06/11/2026

This Sunday! Hope to see you there!

Happening Sunday, June 14, 10am, at UYN SPORTS, 173 Newbury St., Boston: Please join Chérie Louise Turner of Women's Running Stories podcast in collaboration with UYN SPORTS, plant-based running apparel, Boston, for a discussion about the special place running culture has in the greater Boston area.

Shaping the conversation are our featured panelists and runners: Kim Chisholm, Executive Director of 26.2 Foundation; Rochelle Solomon, co-founder Black Unicorn Marathoners; and Carissa McKinny, member of the Natives Run Advisory Committee.

Hear fresh, often overlooked perspectives that aren't widely shared, to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of local running culture. And we'll discuss thoughts about shaping that culture as we move forward. Looking for opportunities for your own running? We'll also share local resources so you can go out and explore this running culture for yourself. Q&A to follow the discussion.

There will be light refreshments and a surprise giveaway! Also enjoy 15% off full priced UYN SPORTS apparel purchased in store.

Please RSVP to [email protected]

06/09/2026

📚 This month’s Book Recommendation is Slow AF Run Club: The Ultimate Guide for Anyone Who Wants to Run by Martinus Evans .

Created for beginners, non-traditional runners, and anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t “look” like a runner, Slow AF Run Club offers practical advice, training plans, motivation, and encouragement to help people start exactly where they are.

Through honest storytelling and accessible guidance, Martinus challenges outdated ideas around running and fitness while creating space for runners of all paces, body types, and backgrounds to feel seen and empowered 💙👟

We were fortunate to hear Martinus speak at a CharityTeams brunch, and his message left a lasting impression. As Kim Chisholm shares, “Years later, his words continue to inspire and remind us of what’s truly possible.”

This book is a powerful reminder that there is no one way to be a runner - you just have to start.

06/07/2026

One of the most meaningful parts of Team Inspire is hearing the stories and experiences shared by our runners after they cross the finish line.

Here’s what Ishana, one of this year’s Team Inspire members, shared about her experience running the Boston Marathon® with the 26.2 Foundation:

“Running was never a sport I imagined would become such a passion, so completing a marathon showed me that I am far stronger, physically and mentally, than I often give myself credit for.

While the training and preparation helped set me up for success and a PR, the truth is that you and the entire 26.2 Foundation team gave me the chance to have this incredible experience in the first place. For that, I am immensely grateful.

It was also such an honor to reconnect with both new and old friends while sharing in the mission of 26.2 to fundraise for the foundation. The work you do is truly inspiring, and to have played even a small part in something with such a meaningful impact is something I won’t forget.”

Thank you, Ishana, for being part of Team Inspire and for reminding us what running with purpose is all about ✨👟

06/05/2026

Happening Sunday, June 14, 10am, at UYN SPORTS, 173 Newbury St., Boston: Please join Chérie Louise Turner of Women's Running Stories podcast in collaboration with UYN SPORTS, plant-based running apparel, Boston, for a discussion about the special place running culture has in the greater Boston area.

Shaping the conversation are our featured panelists and runners: Kim Chisholm, Executive Director of 26.2 Foundation; Rochelle Solomon, co-founder Black Unicorn Marathoners; and Carissa McKinny, member of the Natives Run Advisory Committee.

Hear fresh, often overlooked perspectives that aren't widely shared, to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of local running culture. And we'll discuss thoughts about shaping that culture as we move forward. Looking for opportunities for your own running? We'll also share local resources so you can go out and explore this running culture for yourself. Q&A to follow the discussion.

There will be light refreshments and a surprise giveaway! Also enjoy 15% off full priced UYN SPORTS apparel purchased in store.

Please RSVP to [email protected]