Garmin Launches Community Champions Program
Garmin launched its Community Champions program at the Garmin Marathon Series, recognizing local changemakers who encourage active living. The initiative will spotlight runners, volunteers, and advocates who motivate their communities to get moving, underscoring the social side of fitness and the power of positive role models in promoting health and wellness.
The Garmin Marathon Series, wholly owned and produced by the fitness technology company, is a recent initiative that launched in the fall of 2025. The series started with events in Toledo, Ohio, and Tucson, Arizona, and expanded to include Durham, North Carolina, in 2026. Each event in the series offers four race distances: a 5K, a 10K, a USATF-certified half marathon, and a full marathon that is a Boston Marathon qualifier. This marks a significant step for Garmin, moving from a sponsor of races like the Kansas City Marathon to the owner and operator of its own national race series. To be eligible for the Community Champions title, nominees must be at least 18 years old, reside in or near a host city, and be present on race day. The selection process involves an application phase, after which three to five finalists are chosen and their stories are shared publicly. The first-ever Garmin Community Champion is set to be announced on May 2, 2026, in Durham. Applications for the Durham event closed on March 31, 2026, with applications for the Toledo and Tucson races opening approximately two months before each event. The program welcomes nominations for a wide range of individuals who have made a positive impact through fitness, including coaches, amateur runners on significant personal journeys, and parathletes. The ultimate winner will be revealed at the marathon's starting line and will help lead the countdown to the race start. This initiative aligns with Garmin's broader corporate sustainability and community engagement efforts. The company, which employs over 22,000 people across 35 countries, actively participates in various community outreach programs, including STEM initiatives and local charitable donations.
