Press Releases
April 15, 2026

Chandler, AZ — April 15, 2025 — The Marathon Project has announced several significant changes to its schedule for the 2026 event. In an effort to increase the pro experience for all amateur athletes competing at The Marathon Project, event organizers have decided to combine the Gold Wave and the Professional Wave into one race to be held on Saturday, December 12 at 7:00 a.m. The TMP 5k, held last year after the completion of the Gold Wave, will now take place in conjunction with the marathon--starting at 7:15 a.m. 

The Marathon Project CEO, Ben Rosario, said the ownership group was excited to announce the changes to the 2026 schedule. 

"After analyzing participant feedback it was clear that delivering on our promise to treat our Gold Wavers like pros with personal bottles, pacers, an indoor warm-up area, and more, was key to the success of the event," Rosario said. "We see combining the two races, and the elevated atmosphere that will provide, as the final step in providing a true professional race experience."

Josh Cox, the Vice President of Corporate Sales for The Marathon Project and a former professional athlete himself, said the changes will amplify the energy on race day.

"The pre-race intensity, with so much on the line, will be increased tenfold by combining the two races," Cox said. "And the nature of the loop course will allow all athletes to see the race play out up front from the best seat in the house."

Cox, Rosario, and The Marathon Project team also see the 5k as an opportunity for growth. Chief Operations Officer, Katie Sutton, said the 5k offers fans, friends, and family members a chance to compete, have fun and still finish with plenty of time to watch the marathon. 

"Starting the 5k just 15 minutes after the marathon means we'll have that many more people at the start and more people means more energy," Sutton said. "Then as athletes finish they'll be able to hang out, drink some beer, and cheer like crazy for the marathoners."

Other changes for 2026 include the TMP Expo and packet pick-up moving to an outdoor space at the Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass on Friday and a post-race pool party at the same hotel on Saturday afternoon. 

Rosario said those changes were a direct result of conversations with 2025 participants. 

"What we heard time and time again was how awesome the resort hotel was, so moving the expo there was a no-brainer," Rosario said. "And the pool party sort of happened organically last year, but we're going to really embrace it in 2026.”

Anyone interested in registering for The Marathon Project can visit www.themarathonproject.com. Marathoners who have run under 3:30:00, or the equivalent at a shorter distance, since January 1, 2022 are eligible to compete. The TMP 5k is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. The professional prize purse will be announced no later than July 1. 

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