26 x 1-Mile Marathon Relay

2025 26x1 Mile Marathon Relay

Teams of 13 (or as few as 6) people will race for their fastest collective marathon time.

When/Where

The 2026 race will take place on September 26, 2026. Gun time is at 9:00am; teams may setup beginning at 8:00am.

The race takes place at the Woodlands, on a one-mile course with dirt path and some paved road sections.

Enter through the big gate across from the trolley portal. Follow the signs when you come in. The race itself will take place at the Woodland's Stables and runners will do the trail loop.

Teams are welcome to bring tents and snacks while they support their runners. No grills or other on-site cooking.

The Baton

Each team must devise their own baton. It an be anything - a snap bracelet, a banana, a stick, a pompom, whatever.

The Champion

Each team will select a runner - different than their last mile runner - to run the final 0.2 miles to complete the official marathon for the team. Selection for this position is considered a great honor.

The Torch

Each team's champion will complete their 0.2 mile leg with a torch of their making. It probably (definitely) should not be on fire.

About the Woodlands

The Woodlands’ 54-acre undulating landscape is at once a one-of-a-kind 18th-century English pleasure garden, 19th-century rural cemetery, and a modern green oasis for its neighbors in bustling University City and West Philadelphia. The Woodlands was designated a National Historic Landmark District in recognition of its unique history and rich resources. Actively used today, the cemetery, mansion, landscape, and programs are an educational resource for local school children, community residents, university students, as well as for a small, highly motivated cadre of scholars seeking further understanding of American architectural and botanical history, urban development, and the origin and growth of West Philadelphia.

Answers to some questions that have come up about this year's event.

Q. Is there a team time limit? What about a team membership limit?
A. Yes, all teams must be off the course within 3 hours and 30 minutes. Your team must have 6 people on race day in order to be able to race. 

Q. Is there an after-party? Can we stick around and picnic at the Woodlands afterwards?
A. The 26x1 is one big party so we are not planning an official after-party for the event. We encourage you to bring some food and drinks (no open flames please!) to partake during the race.

Q. Is the Woodlands pet friendly?
A. Yes it absolutely is! Dogs must be leashed at all times, but they are very welcome!

Q. Does everyone run this 1 mile at a time? Is it OK for someone to run more than 1 leg?
A. The race rules are pretty simple. You will create a team roster of up to 13 people (but no fewer than 6). Runners will then run their one mile loops one at a time. Runners will hand off the team's baton from one runner to the next. After your full roster of runners has completed their first loop, you will start from the top and repeat. If you have fewer than 13 runners on your team, some of your runners will need to run more than two loops, so you should order your team appropriately so that the first runners are the ones that run the extra loop.