#United States #Durham #Garmin #Community Champions #Garmin Marathon

Garmin Launches Community Champions Program

Garmin has officially introduced the Community Champions program, aimed at recognizing individuals who significantly enhance their local running communities. This initiative, announced on March 3, 2026, highlights the often-overlooked stories of local leaders within the Garmin Marathon Series, emphasizing the vital role these advocates play in fostering a sense of community through running and fitness.

According to Susan Lyman, Vice President of Consumer Sales and Marketing at Garmin, while running may seem like a solitary sport, it cultivates a profound community spirit rooted in shared interests in health, wellness, and performance. The Community Champions program aims to spotlight these local heroes who are making a positive impact, helping to elevate their communities “one run at a time.”

Application Process for Community Champions

The selection process for the Community Champions is thorough. In every Garmin Marathon Series host city, participants are invited to apply, spotlighting their contributions and achievements in the realm of fitness and running. The program entails an application phase followed by the announcement of three to five finalists per city. Finalists will have their stories shared via the Garmin Marathon Series newsroom, community partners, and regional media outlets, creating a broad platform for their achievements.

In the month leading up to the race day, finalists will receive recognition, culminating in the announcement of the inaugural Garmin Community Champion at the starting line of the race. In this celebratory moment, this champion will lead the countdown to the race start, symbolizing their role as a community leader and inspiration.

Eligibility for nomination requires that candidates must be at least 18 years old, reside in or around the host city of the Garmin Marathon Series, and be present on race day. Submissions undergo a detailed evaluation process, focusing on how these individuals have motivated others to engage in physical activity or made meaningful contributions to their communities through their dedication to fitness. Nominations could stem from varying backgrounds, including beloved coaches, college or professional athletes, amateur runners on transformative journeys, or para-athletes shattering expectations.

Launch of entries for the Durham location is now active, with applications accepted until March 31, 2026. The finalists will be shared with the public in early April, leading to the revelation of the first selected Garmin Community Champion on May 2, 2026. Applications for additional cities like Toledo and Tucson are scheduled to open approximately two months prior to their respective events.

Revolutionizing Road Racing Events

The Garmin Marathon Series represents a bold evolution in the road racing landscape, fully managed by Garmin, esteemed as a leader in fitness technology that revolutionized the industry with the introduction of the first-ever running smartwatch. Launched in the fall of 2025, the Series initially featured events in Toledo, Ohio, and Tucson, Arizona. In 2026, Durham, North Carolina was added, expanding the series offerings to include a range of race types: a Boston Marathon qualifying marathon, a USATF-certified half marathon, along with a 10K and 5K.

With registration now open across all distances for races in Durham, Toledo, and Tucson, those interested in the Garmin Marathon Series can find more details about locations, races, community engagement opportunities, and future expansion plans directly on the Garmin official website.

Garmin’s commitment extends beyond merely providing products; it symbolizes a lifestyle. As they continue to innovate, Garmin believes that every day presents new opportunities for improvement, encouraging participants to strive for 'better' every time they lace up their running shoes. For more insights, users can explore Garmin's Newsroom, connect through social platforms, or follow the corporate blog.

About Garmin International, Inc.

Garmin International, Inc., a subsidiary of Garmin Ltd., is a globally recognized leader in GPS technology and wearable fitness devices. Founded with a vision to enhance experiences for adventurers and enthusiasts alike, Garmin continues to offer cutting-edge solutions that adapt to the needs of modern lifestyles.

For more information, visit Garmin's official channels.