Amanda Mosborg
Chicago Marathon 2026 · Behind the Scenes / Athlete Stories
"I really appreciate Puma stepping in to support the runners racing at a high level, while still having full-time jobs and (at least in my case!) very full lives."
Race Execution · Performance · Product · Quick Fire
For Amanda Mosborg, the 2026 Chicago Marathon marked two significant milestones: her first appearance in a professional field at a World Marathon Major and her return to PUMA PROJECT3, this time finishing as the programme's fastest athlete in Chicago.
Having previously participated in PROJECT3 at the 2025 Boston Marathon, Amanda arrived in Chicago with greater experience, a refined training approach, and an ambition to discover just how far she could take her running.
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The result was a performance that tested her resilience in unusually warm conditions and reinforced her belief in the value of community, preparation, and the opportunities PROJECT3 creates for competitive runners.
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Racing by feel in Chicago
Amanda approached the Chicago Marathon with a clear pacing target: avoid going out faster than 5:40 per mile. As the race unfolded, however, she found herself moving slightly quicker than planned.
While she had a specific number in mind, Amanda describes herself as a runner who relies heavily on instinct. “At the beginning, I want that feeling of ‘oh, I could go a lot faster than this.’ Near the end, I want to be able to turn the dial down.”
Chicago presented an unexpected challenge in the form of heat. It was the warmest marathon Amanda had ever raced, making the final miles particularly demanding. Her usual ability to accelerate between miles 22 and 26 wasn't quite there, but she found other ways to maintain her effort.
“I did my best in the moment by working with the subelite men around me, visualizing my workouts, and taking advantage of the crowd's enthusiasm.” Rather than dwelling on the difficult finish, Amanda sees the experience as another opportunity to learn. “I proved to myself that I know how to hang on after a slightly hot start.”
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The training adjustments that made a difference
Amanda credits several deliberate changes to her marathon preparation for helping her deliver in Chicago. Working alongside her coach, Hayden Cox of Railroad Athletics, she increased her weekly mileage slightly, incorporated sauna sessions after strength training, and consulted dietitian Meredith Parmley to refine her race-week and race-day fueling. “I think the combination of all of that paid off.”
Her training averaged mileage in the 70s per week, peaking in the 80s. Rather than making dramatic changes, Amanda focused on building consistently and identifying areas where small improvements could accumulate.
Looking ahead, she believes there is still considerable room for development. “I am happy about what I was able to do off the mileage I was running. I am eager to see what I can do as I continue to increase sustainably and safely.”
Finding inspiration through community
One of Amanda's most meaningful changes during this training cycle had little to do with mileage or workouts.
She began reaching out to professional runners in the Minneapolis area, including PUMA athlete Elena Hayday and Gabbi Rooker, to arrange training runs and learn from athletes competing at the level she hopes to reach.
Although Amanda completes most of her workouts and longer efforts alone, she has built a wide network of running companions through Collegeville Track Club, Mill City Running, former high school teammates, and even her father, who occasionally accompanies her on his bike.
Running alongside professional athletes introduced a new perspective. “On our runs, we could discuss sides of the sport I had never considered, and build friendships that carry over to big race weekends.”
For Amanda, those relationships provide something that training statistics cannot capture. “This type of community keeps me motivated.”
A familiar feeling in the Puma Fast-R3
Chicago wasn't Amanda's first successful race in PUMA's FAST-R series.
She wore the shoes during her previous PROJECT3 experience at the 2025 Boston Marathon and during her victory in Indianapolis the following autumn.
Returning to them for Chicago felt natural. “No matter the city, when I'm in those shoes, I feel like I'm leaning forward, propelling down the street.”
Amanda began wearing the FAST-R around the same time she committed more seriously to marathon training and started working with a coach. As her investment in the sport increased, so did her performances.
She sees the footwear as an important part of that progression. “It's not just a coincidence that I've been in FAST-Rs— they've been a big part of the journey.”
Quick fire
Race-day mindset in three words: Honored, calm, ready.
Split you're most proud of: More proud of the effort!
One word to describe the finish-line moment: Blurry.
Race-day footwear: PUMA FAST-R 3.
Training mileage: Averaging in the 70s, peaking in the 80s per week.
What it means to be a PROJECT3 winner
Finishing as the fastest PROJECT3 athlete in Chicago carried particular significance for Amanda. Not only was she returning to a programme she had experienced firsthand, but she was also competing in the professional field of a World Marathon Major for the first time.
“Those two things combined— professional field and returning to PROJECT3— made this race incredibly special!” Her appreciation extends beyond the recognition itself.
“I really appreciate Puma stepping in to support the runners racing at a high level, while still having full-time jobs and (at least in my case!) very full lives.”
That sentiment captures an important part of PROJECT3's purpose: creating opportunities for ambitious runners who are pursuing exceptional performances while balancing commitments beyond the sport.
For Amanda, the recognition is especially meaningful because she believes in the programme and the athletes it supports.
About PROJECT3
PROJECT3 is PUMA's performance-based running community for sub-elite athletes. These are the runners pushing the limits of what's possible while holding down careers, families, and real lives. Built on achievement and not traditional sponsorship. The 2026 PROJECT3 incentive structure rewards PBs, fastest finishers, and the largest improvements across Boston, London, and beyond.
Follow PROJECT3 for race reports, athlete stories, and always-on performance content across the full marathon season.
