Runner’s World launches its biggest running project ever: PROJECT26

On Sunday, October 12, Runner’s World kicked off its most ambitious running project to date: PROJECT26. Over the next 26 weeks, we’ll guide 26 runners on their journey to the Enschede Marathon 2026. The main goal: to give everyone a realistic picture of what marathon preparation truly involves. And the entire journey will be documented!

PROJECT26

That’s right! Over 26 weeks, we’ll train with 26 runners toward the Enschede Marathon 2026. Each participant will receive full support from Runner’s World leading up to the big finale on Sunday, April 12. This includes personalized training plans, in-person coaching sessions, and guidance on nutrition, gear, apparel, and the right running shoes — everything they need to succeed.

“This is a project we’ve been working on for quite some time,” says Liselot Bouman, Editor-in-Chief of Runner’s World. “In recent years, running a marathon has become a huge trend. That growing popularity also means that many people show up at the start line unprepared, with all the risks that come with it. Some treat running a marathon as a simple bucket-list item. With PROJECT26, we want to show (and raise awareness of) what it really takes to prepare for such an effort. That’s why we’re offering full support across the board. By taking 26 runners on this journey and sharing everything along the way, we hope to provide practical tools for beginners while giving a realistic view of what training for your first marathon truly entails.”

The participants

The group consists of both men and women, ranging from beginners to more experienced runners. In fact, 30% of the participants only started running this year, and for 65%, this will be their first marathon. The remaining 35% have completed a marathon before.

“We intentionally chose this mix,” says Bouman. “Over the next six months, we want to show 26 different paths toward the same goal. An experienced runner will enter this journey with different objectives than someone who’s just started running. They’ll face different challenges and that’s what makes it so interesting. No two marathons are ever the same.

Some participants are also pursuing other goals alongside their marathon journey such as finishing an Ironman or competing in a HYROX event. That combination is becoming more common, which makes it even more relevant for us to explore how (and if) those goals can coexist, and for the runners themselves to discover whether it’s achievable.”

Meet the coaches

PROJECT26 will be coached by two-time Olympian Andrea Deelstra and Dutch Masters Marathon Champion (40+) Tjeerd Popkema from Hardloopbegeleiding op Maat.

“Running is an individual sport, but together we’ll make this journey unforgettable,” they say. “Twenty-six unique stories will connect us over the next six months. With determination and teamwork, we’ll create 26 paths to success!”

Both Deelstra and Popkema bring extensive experience, not only as accomplished marathon runners themselves but also as long-time coaches of (elite) athletes.

Bouman adds: “To guide such a large and diverse group, you need a tremendous amount of experience, and Andrea and Tjeerd bring exactly that. They’ll be creating weekly personalized training plans and supporting participants through injuries, setbacks, and the mental challenges that come with marathon training.”

Enschede Marathon 2026

The first edition of the Enschede Marathon took place in July 1947, making it the oldest marathon in the Netherlands — and in Western Europe. Back then, just 51 runners lined up at the start. In contrast, nearly 17,000 runners took part in one of the distances at the 2025 edition.

PROJECT26 has chosen the Enschede Marathon as its final destination.

Bouman: “We’re incredibly excited to toe the line in Enschede on April 12. After Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Eindhoven, it’s the fourth-largest marathon in the Netherlands — and it’s known for its fast course. What better place to conclude such a special project?”

Sandra Melief, Director of the Enschede Marathon, is equally thrilled:
“We’re honored that Runner’s World has chosen the Enschede Marathon as the finish line for their 26-week project. As organizers, we’ll do everything we can to ensure all participants enjoy a smooth and successful marathon on April 12.”

As a mid-point milestone, PROJECT26 will also stop in Schoorl on February 8 for the Groet uit Schoorl Halve Marathon.

How to follow PROJECT26

Curious to see how the participants progress over the next six months? Want to follow their journey to April 12, 2026? Stay tuned to Runner’s World and all the participants on social media and don’t miss a thing!

PARTICIPANTS

Romy Kranenburg, Quinty Verschoor, Perry Willemsen, Ingmar Letschert, Pleun van Leijsen, Emma Jansen, Silke Kikstra, Esmee Koetsier, Emmanuelle Decoster, Silke van der Meijden, Melanie Sabajo, Hugo Ras, Jeanine Keijser, Antje Meertens, Sabine van den Bosch, Jayleana Smit, Robbe Moeskops, Luca Tor, Charlotte van den Winkel, Amy Kok, Niek Keijzer, Brittany van Beek, Ruben Kalkman, Renée De Ketelaere, Carlos Platier Luna, Nina van Raay

PARTNERS

PUMA, Garmin, STOX, SHOKZ, Le Champion, Enschede Marathon, Hardloopbegeleiding op Maat, Virtuoos en Pace Recovery.