Garmin has announced the launch of Garmin Community Champions, a new initiative designed to celebrate leaders and advocates within local running communities. The program will operate across the new Garmin Marathon Series locations, highlighting the stories of those making positive contributions through running and fitness.
The Garmin Marathon Series is wholly owned and produced by Garmin. The series originally launched in the autumn/fall 2025 with events in Toledo, OH, and Tucson, AZ. For the 2026 season, Durham, NC, has been added as a third location.
In each host city, the Community Champions program will include an application phase followed by the selection of three to five finalists. During the month prior to race day, the stories of these finalists will be shared through the Garmin Marathon Series newsroom and regional news outlets.
On the morning of each marathon, finalists will be recognised at the starting line. One individual will be named the Garmin Community Champion and will lead the countdown to the start of the race.
Susan Lyman, Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing at Garmin, said “While running may seem like an individual sport, at Garmin we recognise the deep sense of community it fosters by elevating a shared interest in health, wellness and performance. Through the Community Champions initiative, we are excited to shine the spotlight on local runners who are changing their communities for the better, one run at a time.”
To be eligible for the program, nominees must be at least 18 years old and live in or around a host city of the Garmin Marathon Series. They must also be able to attend the event on race day.
According to the company, submissions are evaluated based on how individuals have inspired others to stay active or have impacted their community through fitness. This can include a wide range of advocates, such as cross-country coaches, professional athletes, amateur runners on fitness journeys, or para-athletes.
Community Champion applications for the Durham event are being accepted this month until March 31, 2026. Finalists for this location are expected to be revealed in early April, with the inaugural Garmin Community Champion announced on May 2, 2026.
For the upcoming events in Toledo and Tucson, applications are scheduled to open approximately two months before their respective race days.
The Garmin Marathon Series features four race distances at each event site: a marathon that serves as a Boston Marathon qualifier, a USATF-certified half marathon, a 10K, and a 5K. Registration is currently open for all distances across the three confirmed locations.
Garmin is an international technology company with principal subsidiaries located in the United States, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. It focuses on developing products for athletes, adventurers, and outdoor enthusiasts.
