PUMA launches its PROJECT3 sub-elite running program at the 2026 Berlin and Chicago Marathons, offering cash rewards to selected runners who significantly improve their marathon personal bests.

PUMA said it would select 200 runners for PROJECT3 in Berlin and 100 in Chicago. Applicants had to hold a 2026 race bib for either marathon and meet time-based entry standards.

Male applicants needed a marathon personal best of 3:00 hours or faster, while female applicants needed 3:15 hours or faster. PUMA did not provide race entry.

Each selected PROJECT3 participant could earn $3,000 if they beat their existing marathon personal best by three minutes or more. Additional performance-based bonuses were available for the fastest male and female PROJECT3 finishers.

PUMA reported that around 600 runners had joined PROJECT3 since 2025 and nearly $400,000 had been paid out, including almost $250,000 in 2026. It described PROJECT3 as the most lucrative sub-elite marathon program in history.

Applications for PROJECT3 Berlin and Chicago 2026 were open via www.puma-project3.com from 23:00 (MYT) on Monday, 22 June 2026 until 07:00 (MYT) on Friday, 26 June 2026. Successful applicants would be notified by Monday, 6 July 2026.