26.2 Foundation

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26.2 Foundation

Honoring, celebrating, and inspiring the power of the human spirit through the sport of marathoning.

Advancing the global sport of marathoning while harnessing the power of the human spirit and its capacity for good.

08/27/2026

September is one of the biggest months in the marathon calendar!

From the iconic BMW Berlin Marathon 🇩🇪 and the Buenos Aires International Marathon 🇦🇷 to breathtaking events like the Jungfrau Marathon 🇨🇭 and the Ladakh Marathon & Ultra 🇮🇳, runners will experience everything from world-record courses to mountain landscapes and vibrant city streets.

08/25/2026

✨ JUST 5 DAYS TO GO! We’re sending our full support to our Team Inspire and to every athlete as they take on the 2026 TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS this August 30! 🏁🇦🇺

Our Team Inspire is made up of passionate runners from the USA 🇺🇸 and Ireland 🇮🇪, coming together to take on another Abbott World Marathon Majors!

Your dedication, discipline, and drive have brought you here - now it’s time to soak in the crowds, the energy, and the iconic sights of Sydney.

We’re behind you every step of the way. Go, Team Inspire - let’s make it a day to remember 🔥

08/23/2026

Education has the power to transform lives, inspire new perspectives, and strengthen communities 📚🇬🇷✨

That’s why the 26.2 Foundation has proudly supported The Examined Life for over ten years, providing grants that give educators the opportunity to take part in this unique professional development experience and bring what they discover back to their classrooms and communities.

Through an immersive exploration of the history, philosophy, and democratic ideals of Ancient Greece, educators have the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the connections between the ancient world and today’s classrooms - and use those lessons to inspire future generations.

As 2026 participant Amy D. shared:

“The respect and preservation of the past and the connections to the present resonated deeply with me... I feel that programs like this are so important for educators and I profoundly thank you for your generosity and belief in our work.”

We believe investing in educators is investing in the future. Their experiences create a ripple effect, enriching students, schools, and communities for years to come.

Applications for the 2027 cohort are now open.

08/20/2026

Meet Marathon Legend Meb Keflezighi - Olympic silver medalist, Boston and New York City Marathon champion, and a valued member of the 26.2 Foundation Advisory Council.

Meb’s résumé is one of the most decorated in American distance running. He is the only athlete to have won the Boston Marathon, the New York City Marathon, and an Olympic medal in the marathon, earning silver at the 2004 Athens Games, winning New York in 2009 (the first American man to do so since 1982), and Boston in 2014 (the first American man to do so since 1983). He also competed in four Olympic Games over a remarkable 16-year span, concluding his 26-marathon career at the 2017 New York City Marathon.

Meb’s impact extends far beyond the racecourse. Through his work with the 26.2 Foundation, including our “Desire to Inspire” program, he has encouraged students and runners alike to believe in what’s possible through perseverance, humility, and hard work.

His generosity has also helped advance our mission. Through the MEB Foundation - which he founded to “Maintain Excellent Balance” by supporting youth health, education, and fitness - he made a $6,000 contribution to the 26.2 Foundation. The amount was chosen to honour the $6,000 his father’s employer gifted their family to help them escape war-torn Eritrea to Italy before beginning a new life in the United States in 1987.

As 26.2 Foundation President Tim Kilduff shares:

“I was introduced to Meb by Fred Treseler, who at the time managed the John Hancock Boston Marathon Elite Athletes Program. From the moment we met, I sensed that he was remarkably well grounded. Despite his success, I’ve never found him to be boastful. His family’s journey from Eritrea to the United States is a truly heartwarming testament to the power of the human spirit. He’s generous with his time, and his patience with fans and admirers is impressive. We are grateful to know Meb and his brother, Hawi, and to call them friends.”

Thank you, Meb, for the inspiration you continue to share with our community and the world!

08/18/2026

🎙️ Printarun Podcast highlights the stories behind the miles, bringing runners, race directors, and members of the endurance community together to share the experiences that make our sport so special.

Each episode explores the people, passions, and moments that shape the running world from race-day memories and personal journeys to the dedication that fuels our global community.

Whether you’re training for your next event or simply love hearing the stories that connect runners across the world, the Printarun Podcast is a great reminder that every finish line has a story worth sharing 👟✨

08/16/2026

The Mattapan Unity 5K is a great example of what a community event can do beyond the finish line and we were thrilled to support this event as volunteers.

In 2025, the inaugural race brought 380 people together at Ryan Playground, with runners taking over the Neponset Greenway and nearby streets. This year, the number nearly doubled, bringing even more people together for this festival like experience.

The Mattapan Unity 5K is built around: health, movement, culture, connection and community investment. The event also helps keep participation accessible and supports local opportunities, including the BINcA Soccer Team.

Events like this make movement accessible, bring neighbors together, support local businesses and organizations, and create a space to celebrate the culture and community of Mattapan.

📸 Photo credit: .is.cool

08/13/2026

📚 This month’s Book Recommendation is: The Girl Who Figured It Out by Minda Dentler Minda Dentler

This inspiring true story follows Minda’s remarkable journey to becoming the first female wheelchair athlete to complete the Ironman World Championship - proving that determination, resilience, and courage can overcome even the greatest obstacles.

After surviving polio as an infant and facing countless physical challenges throughout her life, Minda refused to let limits define her. Her story is one of perseverance, grit, and believing in what’s possible, no matter where your journey begins.

It’s an inspiring read for runners, endurance athletes, and anyone chasing a goal that once felt impossible 💙✨

08/11/2026

The future International Marathon Center™ is taking another step forward 🌿👟

In partnership with the Hopkinton Trails Committee, and thanks to a generous grant from Athletic Brewing Athletic Brewing Co, we’re one step closer to opening a new trail loop at the future home of the International Marathon Center™.

These trails will invite visitors to experience the vision of the IMC while also learning about the history of the land. Through educational signage and in collaboration with the Ohketeau Cultural Center , visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the Indigenous heritage of this special place.

It’s another meaningful step toward creating a destination where running, nature, education, and community come together.

Stay tuned for details about our opening celebration walk this fall! 🍂✨

08/09/2026

What does it really mean to run the world? 🌍🏃

For marathoner Dr. Maria Bendeck, it’s about much more than collecting medals or crossing finish lines.

In her latest blog for the 26.2 Foundation, Maria reflects on how running some of the world’s greatest marathons has shaped her perspective - not only on the places she’s visited, but also on the person she’s become. From the mental battles every runner faces to the unforgettable experiences found in cities across the Abbott World Marathon Majors, she explores why marathoning has the power to connect us across cultures, communities, and continents.

It’s a story about resilience, personal growth, and the people we meet along the way - because sometimes the greatest journey isn’t around the world, but within ourselves.

Read Maria’s full blog through the link in our bio and discover why every marathon is about so much more than 26.2 miles. ✨

08/06/2026

Every Team Inspire journey has a story - and Ishana’s reminds us why we do what we do 💙

What began as an unexpected passion became a powerful reminder of just how strong we can be, both physically and mentally.

After achieving a personal best, Ishana reflected that the marathon was about much more than the finish line. It was about the opportunity to be part of a community, reconnect with friends, and run with purpose while supporting the mission of the 26.2 Foundation.

“While the training and preparation helped set me up for success and a PR, the truth is that the 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.” - Ishana

Thank you, Ishana, for sharing your journey and for inspiring others to believe in what’s possible when purpose and perseverance come together ✨👟

Address

Hopkinton, MA

Telephone

+15082544869

Website

http://www.26-2.org/

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