West Palm Beach August 2026

A U G U S T 2 0 2 6 | W E S T PA L M B E A C H 15 – Submitted by Gary Ferman – To register for the U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon, visit palmbeachmarathon.com . The 2026 U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon, a celebration of America’s 250th, will introduce prize money for its top Marathon runners for the first time when the race returns to the streets of West Palm Beach on December 12-13, 2026, a move that will attract elite runners worldwide and elevate the status of Palm Beach County’s most treasured road test. The introduction of $17,000 in prize money is the next strategic step for elevating a racing event that has been experiencing exponential growth over the past 24 months. The men’s and women’s winners of the Marathon race will each receive $5,000, second-place finishers will receive $2,500, and third- place will be worth $1,000. The winner’s share of the purse is the largest in the state of Florida. The presence of prize money for the top runners will be an enticement for elite runners to experience the beauty of the Palm Beach waterfront on a flat course that enables fast times. It will enhance the experience for the community and also elevate the live television broadcast of the race on WPBF Channel 25, the market’s ABC affiliate and the race’s Official Broadcast Partner. Prize money also could foster further growth. The U.S. Polo Assn. Palm Beaches Marathon is coming off a year where it experienced nearly 40 percent growth and is expecting the same rise in entrants again this year. It’s part of a new surge in Marathon running throughout the world. U.S. marathon participation dipped before and during COVID, and is now rebounding strongly as people get back out and seek active ways to stay fit and socialize through running clubs. “We are now a true destination race with an iconic destination and the introduction of purse money will now serve as support for some of the best marathoners in the country and maybe the world to come to Palm Beach County and to the city of West Palm Beach,” race owner Kenneth R. Kennerly said. “Our partnership with our title sponsor, U.S. Polo Assn. allows us to continue to grow the race not only locally but also on an international level.” U.S. Polo Assn. is based in West Palm Beach and is the official sports brand of the United States Polo Association (USPA). The brand has a multi-billion-dollar global footprint and worldwide distribution to more than 190 countries through more than 1,200 U.S. Polo Assn. retail stores as well as thousands of additional points of distribution. U.S. Polo Assn. brand products include apparel for men, women, and children, as well as footwear and accessories. U.S. Polo Assn. has recently been named one of USA Today’s Most Trusted Brands, voted on by thousands of consumers across America. Now is the perfect time for runners to start training for the 2026 race regardless of their chosen distance. There has been a surge in Running Clubs throughout South Florida and the country that provide a great social setting for that training. Last December, more than 6,100 runners — an event record— came from 46 states and 29 countries to race on a flat course without hills or bridges that takes runners through the lively West Palm Beach downtown area with its historic sites and quaint neighborhoods. They got to experience the majestic palm-lined streets of Flagler Drive and the beauty of the Intracoastal waterfront. The family-friendly, action-packed weekend includes five races, certified by USA Track & Field, and set at distances to accommodate runners of all levels. It includes a marathon (Boston Marathon qualifier), half marathon, marathon relay, 10K and 5K. The 5K and 10K races will be held Saturday, Dec.12 at 7:30 a.m. The marathon, half marathon and marathon relay will be held Sunday, Dec. 13 at 6 a.m. Early registration is now open. Cost is $130 for the marathon and $105 for the half marathon through July 31. The early registration fee for the 10K is $65, and $40 for the 5K. Baptist Health will return as the official medical partner. “This is an iconic destination where runners can combine the allure of the Palm Beaches brand with an incredible race day experience,” Kennerly said. “We continue on our mission to turn this into one of the best marathons in the country and in the world.” U.S. POLOASSN. PALMBEACHESMARATHON TOADDMARATHON PRIZEMONEY, CELEBRATE AMERICA’S 250TH, AS IT RETURNS DECEMBER 12-13, 2026 COMMUNITY