Shokz has made history in the running world, becoming the first audio brand to partner with six Abbott World Marathon Majors races in 2026—while launching a global initiative designed to support everyday runners chasing elite dreams.
The open-ear audio pioneer has been confirmed as the Official Headphone Partner for six of the world’s most prestigious marathons: the Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, TCS London Marathon, TCS Sydney Marathon presented by ASICS, BMW BERLIN-MARATHON, Bank of America Chicago Marathon, and the TCS New York City Marathon.
This milestone cements Shokz as a major force at the intersection of sport, technology, and lifestyle—particularly as demand for safer, awareness-focused audio continues to grow among runners.
A Landmark Partnership Across Global Marathon Majors
By securing partnerships across six Abbott World Marathon Majors, Shokz is tapping into some of the most iconic races on the planet—events that collectively attract tens of thousands of runners and millions of spectators each year.
From the historic streets of Boston to the electric atmosphere of New York City, this collaboration positions Shokz directly at the heart of global running culture in 2026.
‘Chasing Stars’: A Global Opportunity for Everyday Runners
At the centre of the announcement is Chasing Stars, a new international runner recruitment programme aimed at elevating everyday athletes.
The initiative will select 200 runners worldwide, with 50 participants receiving entry into all six partnered Marathon Majors—a rare opportunity typically reserved for elite or lottery-selected runners.
Participants will benefit from:
- Entry into world-renowned marathon events
- Exclusive race kits and Shokz headphones
- Ongoing support from training through to race day
- Opportunities to join future global race experiences
Inspired by the coveted Six Star Finisher medal, the programme celebrates personal achievement over podium finishes—encouraging runners to define success on their own terms.
Exclusive Marathon Editions of OpenRun Pro 2
To mark the partnership, Shokz is releasing a series of co-branded OpenRun Pro 2 editions tailored to each marathon.
Leading the pack is the TCS London Marathon edition, featuring a striking deep blue and gold colourway with London-inspired detailing. Designed as both a high-performance training tool and a collector’s item, the headphones reflect the emotional significance of race day for many runners.
The full range will be available via regional Shokz websites and at marathon expos ahead of each race.
Backed by Elite Athletes
The Chasing Stars campaign is supported by legendary marathon runner Eliud Kipchoge, widely regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, alongside British long-distance star Eilish McColgan.
Their involvement brings elite credibility to the initiative while reinforcing its core message: marathon running is as much about personal milestones as it is about competition.
Why Open-Ear Audio Matters for Runners
Shokz has built its reputation on open-ear and bone conduction technology, allowing users to enjoy music while remaining aware of their surroundings—an increasingly important safety feature for urban runners.
Since launching in 2011, the brand has expanded across sport and lifestyle categories, and according to industry analysts Omdia, it has held the title of world’s No.1 open-ear headphones brand for global shipments between 2023 and 2025.
For runners navigating busy city routes or marathon courses, that balance between performance audio and situational awareness is becoming essential.
With limited places and global demand expected to be high, this could be one of 2026’s most exciting opportunities for amateur runners to step onto the world stage.
