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The Marathon Project 2026

Date
Saturday, December 12, 2026
Start time
7:00 AM start (Phoenix)
Entry fee
From $50 · goes up to $65 on Dec 7, 2026
Included with entry
Includes a hat
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Official race website

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Events and entry fees

EventDistanceWhenEntry feeCap
Gold Wave MarathonMarathonDec 12, 20267:00 AM$500–
Pro MarathonMarathonDec 12, 20267:00 AM$200–
TMP 5k5KDec 12, 20267:15 AM$50$65 after Dec 7, 2026–

Entry fees exclude processing fees. Prices and dates come from the race's registration page and refresh nightly.

Register on RunSignup

The 5K fee goes up to $65 on Dec 7, 2026.

Race day planning

Entry fee schedule

  • Gold Wave Marathon: $500 until Dec 1.
  • Pro Marathon: $200 until Dec 1.
  • TMP 5k: $50 until Dec 7, then $65 until Dec 12.

Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.

How the price compares

At $500, entry is about 233 percent above a typical marathon in Arizona, which costs $150 right now.

Light and altitude

Sunrise on race morning is at about 7:21 AM, and the Gold Wave Marathon starts at 7:00 AM. The start sits about 1,150 feet above sea level.

Fees exclude processing fees. Comparisons use current entry fees and published results from races nearby.

Start location and course

5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226

The pin marks the address the race lists, which is usually the start. The organizers have not shared a course map with us yet.

Typical race-day weather

Around December 12 the day usually runs from 43°F at dawn to 69°F in the afternoon, with measurable rain on about 3% of days. Cold snaps dip to 36°F and hot years reach 76°F.

Based on 75 days within a week of the date over the last 5 years, from historical weather for the start area. Not a forecast.

From the race's page

What the organizers of The Marathon Project cover on their registration page, in brief.

Rules and FAQ

Gold Wave Deferral/Refund Policy

The Marathon Project 2026 Refund and Deferral Policy: The Marathon Project does not grant refunds. Instead, we offer a graduated deferral policy. Anyone who is already entered and accepted into the race, but can no longer compete for any…

Full details on the race's RunSignup page

Race details

Where
5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226Map
Course
Road
Start elevation
About 1,150 feet
Included with entry
Premium Top; Custom TMP Beanie
Distances
5K, Marathon
Editions
2026 (Dec 12, 2026), 2025 (Dec 20, 2025), 2020 (Dec 20, 2020)

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Quick answers

When is The Marathon Project?
Saturday, December 12, 2026, starting at 7:00 AM.
How much does it cost?
Entry starts at $50 before processing fees, and rises to $65 on Dec 7, 2026.
When does registration close?
Online registration closes Dec 12, 2026, unless the race fills first.
Is the entry fee high for Arizona?
At $500, entry is about 233 percent above a typical marathon in Arizona, which costs $150 right now.
Do runners get a shirt or medal?
Entry includes a hat, according to the race's registration page. Check it for sizes and whether kids' races get the same.
What distances can I run?
5K, Marathon.
Where does it start?
5700 W North Loop Rd, Chandler, AZ 85226.

From the organizers

A Premier Race Weekend Experience.

The Marathon Project - As Fast As Possible.

Comprehensive race info available at:

www.themarathonproject.com