2026 2Slow4Boston Marathon
The 2026 2Slow4Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 26, 2026, in Greer, United States. Participants can expect typical spring weather in the Greer area, which often features mild temperatures ranging from highs in the 60s to lows in the 40s (Fahrenheit), though occasional rain is possible. This unique road event is designed as an "anti-Boston" experience, prioritizing mental toughness and perseverance over speed. Rather than racing to the finish line, participants aim to be among the slowest finishers to win prizes, celebrating the stubbornness and determination symbolized by the donkey and mule.
What distances are available for the 2Slow4Boston Marathon & Half-Marathon?
- →Marathon
- →Half-Marathon
- →Virtual option
How does the winning format work?
In this event, the traditional concept of speed is inverted. The winners are determined by being the slowest:
- →1st Place: The slowest finisher
- →2nd Place: The second slowest finisher
- →3rd Place: The third slowest finisher
What are the prize structures for the different distances?
- →Marathon: Prize money is awarded to the three slowest finishers.
- →Half-Marathon: No prize money is awarded, but the three slowest finishers receive a trophy and a gift card.
- →Virtual: Participants are designated as "Official Bandits." While they are not eligible for prize money, the three slowest virtual finishers will receive a trophy.
How is the prize purse calculated and distributed?
- →$20 from every registration fee is contributed directly to the prize purse.
- →Prize distribution is approximately: 50% to the slowest finisher, 35% to the 2nd slowest, and 15% to the 3rd slowest (amounts may be adjusted in the event of ties).
What are the qualification requirements for prize money?
To be eligible for prize money in the marathon, participants must meet the following criteria:
- →You cannot be a first-time marathoner.
- →You must never have officially completed the Boston Marathon (including charity runs); those who have completed Boston must enter as an "Official Bandit."
- →You must have finished a prior marathon slower than the qualifying time for your specific age group (based on races from the previous year).
- →Ultra-marathon finishes do not count toward these qualification requirements.
- →You must start the race on time; early or late starts will result in disqualification from prize money.
What are the race rules and restrictions?
To maintain eligibility for prizes, runners must adhere to the following regulations:
- →Participants must remain within the official race boundaries.
- →Breaks at the start/finish area are limited to a maximum of 5 minutes at a time, with a cumulative total of no more than 30 minutes.
- →Setting up tents or any primitive structures on the course is prohibited.
- →Non-running activities on the course (such as fishing, spectating other events, or setting up playgrounds) are not allowed.
- →If a participant finishes the race faster than their recorded qualifying time, they are disqualified from receiving prize money.
Who is ineligible to collect prize money?
- →The Race Director and the Race Director's family members may participate in the event but are not permitted to collect prize money.