Molly Seidel Joins Unsanctioned 26.TRUE Marathon in Boston
Despite not participating in the official Boston Marathon, American Olympian Molly Seidel made her mark by running in the 26.TRUE marathon this past Saturday. This unique, unsanctioned event, which attracted over 200 runners, aims to “amplify and celebrate the culture and diversity of the neighborhoods that make up the City of Boston,” according to the event’s promotional material on Race Roster.
About the 26.TRUE Marathon
The fourth edition of the 26.TRUE marathon was organized by the PIONEERS Run Crew, a local running club dedicated to promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the sport, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). In contrast to the Boston Athletic Association’s (B.A.A.) official race, the 26.TRUE marathon features lower financial barriers for entry and imposes no restrictions on pace. This allows every participant to experience the joy of finishing, as there is no time clock, fostering a celebration of community and athleticism.
Molly Seidel’s Comeback and Future Plans
Seidel participated in the race alongside her sponsor, PUMA, following a challenging start to her 2024 running season due to an injury that forced her to withdraw from the U.S. Olympic marathon trials in February. After her experience at the 26.TRUE marathon, she is set to return to trail running on April 26 at the renowned Canyons Endurance Run by UTMB in Auburn, California, another milestone in her impressive athletic career.
Health Challenges Since the Tokyo Olympics
After her success at the Tokyo Olympics, Seidel faced various health issues that impacted her competitive schedule. She experienced a sacral stress reaction, which was later diagnosed as a full sacral stress fracture, causing her to pause her competitive career. Despite these challenges, she made a strong return by finishing eighth at the 2023 Chicago Marathon on October 8, recording a time of 2:23:07—her first marathon since April 2022.
Positive Community Impact and Advocacy
The 26.TRUE marathon served not only as a platform for runners like Seidel but also aimed to celebrate the vibrant neighborhoods and diverse communities of Boston. Post-race, Seidel expressed her enthusiasm on social media, stating, “This is such an awesome race because it highlights the neighborhoods of Boston, the people of Boston, and it’s so fun to be out here.” The event also benefited from city support, with Boston mayor Michelle Wu addressing the runners before the race commenced, highlighting the positive impact of community engagement.
Recent Lawsuit Highlights Racial Profiling Concerns
Notably, the PIONEERS Run Crew and TrailBlazHers Run Co. recently made headlines by filing a lawsuit against the B.A.A. and the Newton police department, seeking to combat racial profiling and harassment against their members. This legal action follows concerns raised by participants who reported feeling unfairly policed during the 2023 Boston Marathon, prompting a broader conversation on race and inclusivity within the sport.
Looking Ahead
As the running community continues to evolve, events like the 26.TRUE marathon demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity and celebration of diversity. The B.A.A. has expressed a focus on ensuring a more welcoming environment for all participants in future events, while organizers like the PIONEERS Run Crew strive to create spaces that uplift all runners. With her ongoing dedication to the sport, Molly Seidel remains a crucial figure in advocating for such changes, paving the way for a more equitable running culture.
