The U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon will incorporate for the first time $17,000 in prizes for the best marathon runners, in a special edition that will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and that expects to attract elite athletes from all over the world
The U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon 2026, a celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States, will introduce for the first time cash prizes for the best runners in the event when it returns to the streets of West Palm Beach on December 12 and 13, 2026, an initiative aimed at attracting elite athletes from around the world and raising the prestige of Palm Beach County's most iconic road race.
The incorporation of $17,000 in prizes represents the next strategic step to boost the growth of this competition, which has experienced record numbers in recent years. The male and female winners of the marathon will receive $5,000 each; the second-place finishers will get $2,500, and the third-place finishers, $1,000. The amount allocated to the winners is the highest in the state of Florida.
On the occasion of the 250th anniversary of the United States, the logo of the U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon 2026 has been redesigned with striking red, white, and blue brushstrokes that accompany the brand's iconic two-rider emblem. There will also be patriotic-inspired themed t-shirts for runners and commemorative medals for all participants who cross the finish line.
The existence of cash prizes for the top athletes provides an additional incentive for elite runners to discover the beauty of the Palm Beach coastline through a completely flat course that favors achieving good times. Furthermore, it will enhance the experience for the local community and contribute to elevating the live television broadcast of the event through WPBF Channel 25, an ABC affiliate and official broadcaster of the U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon.
The prizes could also drive further growth for the event. The race comes after a successful inaugural edition, which saw growth of nearly 40%, and it expects to see a similar increase in participant numbers this year. This evolution is part of the global boom that marathon running is currently experiencing. Marathon participation in the United States declined before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, but it is now bouncing back strongly as people look for active ways to stay fit and socialize through running clubs.
"We are already a true destination race, with an iconic oceanfront location in Palm Beach County, and the addition of prize money will serve to attract some of the best marathoners in the country and the world to the city of West Palm Beach," said Kenneth R. Kennerly, owner of the race. "Our excellent collaboration with our title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn., allows us to continue to grow the race both locally and internationally."
U.S. Polo Assn. is headquartered in West Palm Beach and is the official sport brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA). The brand has a multi-billion dollar global presence and distribution in more than 190 countries through more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. stores and thousands of additional points of sale. Its offerings include apparel for men, women, and children, as well as footwear and accessories. Recently, U.S. Polo Assn. was recognized as one of America's most trusted brands by USA Today, based on the feedback of thousands of consumers.
"The U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon reflects the authentic connection between our brand and the sport, while celebrating the vibrant energy of our home in The Palm Beaches," said J. Michael Prince, president and CEO of USPA Global, the company that manages U.S. Polo Assn. "This year will be historic as we celebrate 250 years of the American spirit, offer the largest prize money for marathon winners in the state, support deserving charities, and celebrate thousands of committed runners from The Palm Beaches and around the world."
In addition to prizes for the winners, several selected local charities will receive donations from U.S. Polo Assn. and funds raised by participants in the marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. These organizations will receive their checks at a public presentation following the awards ceremony for the winners. This important charitable component is part of the overall experience of sport, community, family, health, and wellness.
Now is the ideal time for runners to begin preparing for the 2026 edition, regardless of the chosen distance. Across South Florida and the rest of the country, there has been a boom in running clubs, which offer an excellent social environment for training.
Last December, more than 6,100 runners—a record number for the event—from 46 states and 29 countries participated in a completely flat course, with no hills or bridges, that winds through the vibrant downtown of West Palm Beach, its historic sites, and its picturesque neighborhoods. Runners enjoyed the majestic palm-lined streets of Flagler Drive and the waterfront views of the Intracoastal Waterway.
The weekend, designed for the whole family and full of activities, includes five USA Track & Field-sanctioned races designed for runners of all levels. The program comprises a marathon (Boston Marathon qualifier), half marathon, marathon relay, 10K, and 5K. The 5K and 10K races will be held on Saturday, December 12, at 7:30 AM. The marathon, half marathon, and marathon relay will take place on Sunday, December 13, at 6:00 AM.
Early registration is now open. The price is $130 for the marathon and $105 for the half marathon until July 31. The early bird fee for the 10K race is $65 and $40 for the 5K. Baptist Health will once again participate as the official medical partner.
"This is an iconic destination where runners can combine the appeal of the Palm Beaches brand with an exceptional competition experience," said Kennerly. "We continue to advance our mission to make the U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon one of the best races in the country and the world."
To register for the U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon, visit palmbeachmarathon.com.