We are excited to be a part of the 2026 Boston Athletic Association’s Bank of America Boston Marathon® Official Charity Program for the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.
Why Run with TEAM ESPLANADE?
The Esplanade Association is a community-supported nonprofit organization that works to revitalize, enhance, program, and maintain the Charles River Esplanade. By running on TEAM ESPLANADE you will be supporting:
- HORTICULTURE: Caring for a lush canopy of trees, maintaining beautiful gardens, and leading 2,000 volunteers a year who help care for the park
- ARTS & CULTURE: Commissioning public art, including the Hatched light and sound show in Winter 2021, three murals in 2019, and showcasing local musical acts on the Hatch Shell Stage
- HEALTH & FITNESS: Hosting seasonal 5Ks and dozens of free fitness classes, jointly caring for the Teddy Ebersol’s Red Sox Fields
- CHILDREN & FAMILIES: Building & maintaining three Esplanade playgrounds, hosting free field days for local summer camps, and hosting family-friendly events, tours, and scavenger hunts
- PARK ENHANCEMENTS: Installing welcome signs with mileage maps, rehabbing historic monuments and park elements, and partnering to bring the popular Owl’s Nest beer garden to the park (a great place for a post-run refreshment!)
TEAM ESPLANADE Benefits
- Race day VIP bus to the start line
- Team Marathon gear, including race singlet
- Finish Line rendezvous and storage in our Copley Office
- A fun and positive life-changing experience of running the 2026 Boston Marathon with Team Esplanade
Coaching and a personalized training program:
- Organized point to point long runs on the course with aid station support
- Full and personalized 20-week training plan for every level of running by RRCA certified coaches with organized group runs throughout the season starting in December.
- Runners will receive professional training support through CharityTeams.com
- Boundless team spirit, excellent organization, and runner support.
Exclusive Esplanade Perks:
- Branded Esplanade Association merch
- 50 bulbs will be planted in the park in your honor
- Recognition in our next Annual Report
- The opportunity to build meaningful relationships with EA staff, your fellow runners, and others
Fundraising and Marketing Assistance:
- Esplanade Association-hosted group fundraising event
- The Esplanade Association accepts matching gifts towards your fundraising goal
- A personal fundraising page on GivenGain
- Social media sharing to broaden your audience
- Marketing support for runner-hosted fundraising events
- Fundraising and marketing tips and tricks
- Runners will receive professional fundraising support
TEAM ESPLANADE Commitment
- Runners without a qualifying time:
- If selected on our team, you must pay a $100 team fee upon acceptance to secure your spot. This does not apply to your fundraising commitment.
- Commit to raising $12,000 USD
- Pay a $375 race entry fee to the Boston Athletic Association in January.
- Runners with a qualifying time or a bib:
- If selected on our team, pay a $100 team fee. This does not apply to your fundraising commitment.
- Commit to raising $3,000 USD
- Represent the Esplanade Association with energy and enthusiasm for our mission!
- Abide by all terms and conditions required by the B.A.A. for participation in the Bank of America Boston Marathon®
- Submit a timely B.A.A. Marathon Registration and pay B.A.A. Registration Fee by the given deadline
- More details on the runner commitment can be viewed on our application, apply today!
All spots on TEAM ESPLANADE have been filled, but you can join our waitlist to be notified should any bibs become available.
Please feel free to contact our Team Manager Analisa Spina at marathon@esplanade.org with any questions about recruitment or ways to support the team!
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