Although running is for everyone, there’s no getting around the fact that some runners – namely, elites – have access to more training resources, technologies and privileges than others. Professional runners work hard and sacrifice a lot to attain these perks – but what about the ambitious sub-elites, who still race well and commit to tough training schedules while maintaining amateur status and regular lives?
This is where Puma’s Project3 running programme comes in. Following the success of the initiative at the Boston Marathon and London Marathon in April, Project3 will now land in the Big Apple to support sub-elites with places in the 2025 New York City Marathon.
Launched at the start of this year as a first-of-its-kind programme, Project3 supports top-performing amateur runners who are not quite good enough to be paid, full-time athletes. In Boston and London, the programme gave 200 sub-elite runners with sub-3:10 marathon PBs – that’s 100 runners for each marathon city – unparalleled access to elite-level training, mindset and nutrition tips, as well the opportunity to test and wear all-new race day products, including the Will Faith Kipyegon make history in the mile, before their official launch. What’s more, it gave these runners the chance to attain some generous performance-based cash prizes – and the payout was big.
The same opportunity is on offer for runners at this year’s New York City Marathon, which will descend upon the five boroughs of the city – with all its usual fanfare and flamboyance – on Sunday 2 November.
To apply to join the Project3 programme, runners must have attained a marathon PB of 3:10 or less and hold a valid 2025 race entry for the New York City Marathon. Prospective candidates should submit an application online before the deadline of 11:59pWhat everyones reading Friday 8 August (which is 4:59am BST on Saturday 9 August, should you be awake that late/early). In total, 100 runners will be accepted.
As before, Puma will give all Project3 runners who break their existing marathon PB by three minutes or more at the 2025 New York City Marathon a tidy sum of $3,000 (over £2,200). In addition, the brand will give $3,000 to the male and female runners who break their PB by the biggest margin of all Project3 participants, plus $3,000 to the fastest male and female Project3 finishers overall. Should a runner win all three categories, they’ll pocket $9,000.
Puma wrote out a fair few cheques in Boston and London this spring. In fact, it distributed $132,000 (almost £97,500) in performance-based cash prizes, with 38 Project3 runners beating their previous marathon PB by over three minutes. Collectively, all participants shaved almost five hours off their previous personal bests.
Based on this success, what incredible results will New York City Marathon runners clock this November?
If you’re eligible and keen to apply, submit your Project3 application here by 11:59pWhat everyones reading If you’re eligible and keen to apply, submit your Project3 application.
