Puma has announced the return of its Project3 program for 2026, offering professional-grade support to 300 dedicated amateur runners. Participants competing in the Boston and London marathons have the chance to earn a $3,000 bonus for setting a new personal best.
Puma Invests in the Sub-Elite: Boston and London Take Center Stage
Puma is relaunching its high-profile Project3 program, specifically designed for sub-elite runners tackling the world’s most prestigious marathons. For the 2026 edition, the brand has selected two key events: the Boston Marathon, with 100 spots available, and the London Marathon, with a pool of 200 spots. This initiative aims to bridge the gap between professionals and mass-participation runners by offering the latter resources typically reserved for a pro team.
The primary motivator remains a substantial financial incentive for performance gains. Every runner accepted into Project3 who improves their marathon personal record (PR) by at least three minutes will receive a $3,000 cash prize from Puma. However, the rewards don’t stop there. An additional $3,000 will be awarded to the fastest man and fastest woman in each race, and an identical amount will go to the individual who achieves the greatest time progression across the entire group.
Beyond the financial aspect, runners will gain access to the PUMA Elite Running Team ecosystem. This includes consultations with coaches, advice from the brand’s professional athletes, and early looks at the latest technological innovations. The starter package also features a full gear kit, including elite footwear: the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3 and the debut of the Deviate NITRO Elite 4.
A Proven Success: Records and Hard Data
The decision to continue the program into 2026 follows a highly successful debut season. According to brand data, 269 runners from over 13 countries participated in 2025. The coaching and technological benefits yielded measurable results: nearly 100 athletes set new PRs, and 48 individuals improved their times by more than three minutes, triggering the bonus payouts.
In total, Puma paid out over $160,000 in rewards during the program’s first year, making Project3 one of the most lucrative amateur support initiatives in the history of the sport. The program also served as a testing ground for the Fast-R NITRO Elite 3, which demonstrated a 3% improvement in running economy during testing.
Success was noted across the courses in Boston, London, and New York. For instance, during the 2025 London edition, 39 athletes broke their PRs, with 23 improving by over three minutes. The fastest man in the program clocked a 2:12:16, while the fastest woman finished in 2:30:20. These results confirm the potential of runners who, despite lacking professional status, compete at a world-class level.
How to Join Project3: Requirements and Selection
The program is strictly tailored for athletes meeting specific performance standards. To apply for Project3, men must have an official PR of 3:00 or faster, while women must have a time of at least 3:15. A key formal requirement is already holding a confirmed entry for the 2026 Boston Marathon or the 2026 London Marathon.
The selection process goes beyond just race results. Candidates must submit documentation verifying their PR and prepare a short written statement. The application requires an answer to one of two questions regarding the motivation behind chasing records or how the program would impact their training cycle, with a 500-word limit. The brand is looking for passionate individuals ready to become ambassadors for Nitro technology.
The application window is very brief and requires quick action. The form went live on Monday, January 26, 2026, at 11:00 AM EST. Applications will only be accepted until midnight on Friday, January 30, 2026, at puma-project3.com. Only complete applications that meet the rigorous time criteria will be evaluated by Puma’s team of experts.
Professional Conditions for the Amateur Athlete
The return of Project3 is a clear signal that the running market is embracing the ambitious sub-elite, offering them resources once exclusive to champions. Runners who qualify will gain more than just a shot at high-value bonuses; they will receive professional technical and expert backing. For many lining up in Boston and London, this will be the ultimate opportunity to test their limits under the best possible conditions.
