What is the race format for The Marathon Project professional marathon?

The professional marathon features a criterium-style format with 100 men and 100 women competing on a flat, fast course. This elite-level event is recognized as one of the deepest and fastest marathons in America, attracting top-tier distance runners from across the country.

What are the qualifying standards for the professional marathon?

• →Men under 2:20:00 are encouraged to apply
• →Women under 2:40:00 are encouraged to apply
• →Athletes above 2:20:00 (men) or 2:45:00 (women) may enter the Gold Wave instead
• →Complimentary entry is provided for athletes under 2:12:00 (men) or 2:28:00 (women)

What pace groups are available during the marathon?

Pace groups are offered starting from 2:20:00 and above, with specialized groups including Olympic Trials standards of 2:16:00 for men and 2:37:00 for women. These groups help athletes maintain consistent pacing throughout the flat, fast course.

What is included in the professional marathon registration?

• →Personal bottles (athlete-provided or sponsored)
• →Indoor warmup area
• →Bag drop and pickup services
• →Official swag bag
• →Pace group support
• →Top 15 seeds receive free travel and lodging
• →Finishers in top 15 earn a $1,000 stipend

What are the prize purses for the professional marathon?

• →1st place: $10,000
• →2nd place: $5,000
• →3rd place: $2,500
• →4th place: $1,500
• →5th place: $1,000

Prize money is equal for both men and women competitors.

What is the Gold Wave and who can participate?

The Gold Wave is described as the deepest and fastest amateur marathon in America. It is limited to 1,000 total participants with a maximum of 500 men and 500 women/non-binary runners. The race takes place on December 20, 2025, starting at 7:30 AM on a flat, fast criterium-style course featuring six loops.

What are the qualifying standards for the Gold Wave?

• →Marathon under 3:25:00
• →Half marathon under 1:40:00
• →Comparable shorter-distance times are also considered

How much does Gold Wave registration cost?

• →Entry fee: $500
• →No refunds available, but deferment to 2026 is allowed (non-transferable, one-time only)

What amenities and support are provided during the Gold Wave?

• →Indoor warmup area
• →Personal bottles (sponsored)
• →Pace groups starting from 2:20:00 and above
• →Bag drop and pickup at start and finish
• →Family and friends can view runners up to 12 times from one spectator location
• →Official swag bag described as "best in the business"

What awards are given for the Gold Wave?

• →Top 25 men finishers
• →Top 25 women finishers
• →Top 5 non-binary finishers
• →No age-group awards are offered

What is the TMP 5K and when does it take place?

The TMP 5K is a flat and fast 5-kilometer race scheduled for December 20, 2025, at noon. The event is open to runners and walkers of all ages and abilities, making it accessible to participants of varying fitness levels.

What is included in TMP 5K registration?

• →Official TMP 5K beanie for all participants

How much does the TMP 5K cost?

• →Early bird pricing: $40 (registration opens December 18, 2024)
• →Regular pricing: $50 (September 1 – December 14, 2025)
• →Race week pricing: $65 (December 15 – December 20, 2025)

When is the final registration deadline for all events?

The rolling application process runs from April 2 through December 1, 2025, for both the professional marathon and Gold Wave. Final registration deadline for all events is December 1, 2025, with exceptions only for special circumstances. The TMP 5K accepts registrations through race day (December 20, 2025).

What is the course terrain and weather conditions for the races?

All three events feature flat, fast courses ideal for distance running. Chandler in late December typically experiences favorable weather conditions with average high temperatures of 68°F and low temperatures of 45°F, providing excellent running conditions for marathons and 5K races.