PUMA Slashes Marathon PRs, Awards $54K as Project3 Runners Set Records

PUMA’s Project3 participants shaved a total of 1hour, 51minutes and 46seconds off their personal records at the Boston Marathon, and will take home a combined $54,000 in prize money as part of the brand’s trailblazing running programme.

Debuting the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, a total of 90 runners from countries including the USA, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, France, Spain, UK, Ireland, Sweden, China, South Africa and Indonesia, toed the line at the world’s most prestigious running race, and were rewarded with a sensational number of new PRs.

Of the 90 runners competing, 30 beat their previous records, with 15 smashing their records by over three minutes, making them eligible for the mouthwatering $3,000 cash prize.

The fastest male, Joseph Whalen (2:12:16) finished in 20th place overall and knocked 1minute 23seconds off his PR, while Kylee Raftis (2:34:41) finished as the fastest female and took an incredible 4minutes 4seconds off her previous best. Manuel Diaz Callejero (02:33:35) smashed his previous record by a mindblowing 11minutes and 41seconds.

Other noteable wins came in the men’s open division where PUMA Project3 runners finished in first and second place, as well as taking home first in the men’s masters division. In total, three Project3 participants finished in the men’s top 25.

Celebrating his win back at The High Point, Joseph Whalen said: “I was so happy to make it across the line as the top male. The Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 are amazing, they were super responsive; great on the ups and even better on the downs.“

Kylee Raftis, who was racing at Boston for the third time, said: “I couldn’t be happier. I was aiming to run sub 2:35 and I excecuted my race plan perfectly. Coming onto Boylston Street felt surreal, and once I saw 2:34 on the clock I was ecstatic.”

In January, PUMA launched Project3; a first of its kind global running programme that offered participants of the 2025 Boston and London Marathons the opportunity to experience life as a professional athlete and trial the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3, with the chance to bank huge performance-based cash prizes.

The programme forms part of PUMA’s brand elevation strategy to strengthen its presence globally and celebrate the latest brand campaign, “Go Wild”.

There were also record highs for PUMA’s elite runners, with Annie Frisbie (2:23:21) obliterating her previous PR by 2minutes and 57seconds, and Rory Linkletter (2:07:02) who finished 6th overall and shaved 59 seconds off his previous best time.

With a host of records broken in Boston, all eyes now turn to London, where another 96 Project3 runners will attempt to achieve a similar feat of athleticism in the revolutionary Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3.

Having exclusivley launched at the Boston Marathon, a limited drop of Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 will go live at PUMA.com, PUMA V&A Waterfront and PUMA Sandton from 4 May 2025.

PUMA Drops Laced-up Rule Breaker: Fast-RB Nitro™ Elite Ld

PUMA is rewriting the rules of speed once again with the FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite LD – a bold, laced-up evolution of one of this year’s most talked-about releases, the FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite.

Designed for runners who refuse to settle, the FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite LD pairs cutting-edge innovation with a strikingly unconventional look. Packed with 58mm of NITROFOAM™ Elite – PUMA’s most advanced foam – this shoe goes 18mm beyond race regulations, offering unparalleled cushioning and responsiveness. It’s like having a cheat code for confidence and performance.

Sandwiched within the layers of NITROFOAM™ Elite is a triple-stack PWRPLATE, strategically engineered to deliver explosive propulsion and help runners chase those elusive personal bests.

The new lace-up system, seamlessly integrated into the ULTRAWEAVE upper, ensures a secure, tailored fit, keeping you locked in and ready to perform at your peak.

But here’s the catch – only 1,000 pairs of the FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite LD are available worldwide. Starting 27 January 2025, you can snag your pair on PUMA.com or at select retailers in South Africa.

FAST-RB NITRO™ Elite LD Specs

  • Price: R8 499
  • Weight: 355g
  • Stack Height: 58mm/46mm

Ready to step up your game? Learn more at PUMA.com.

PUMA REVEALS SS25 HYROX COLLECTION INCLUDING FIRST EVER CO-BRANDED FOOTWEAR

With an exciting year of fitness racing ahead, PUMA and HYROX are kicking things off with the launch of their brand-new SS25 collection. For the first time, this collaboration includes co-branded PUMA x HYROX footwear.

Designed specifically for HYROX athletes, this curated range of performance and lifestyle gear is built to help you crush your next race. You’ll even see it worn by HYROX Elite 15 athletes, including 2024 Women’s World Champion Meg Jacoby and Men’s Pro World Record holder Hunter McIntyre.

The performance apparel lineup incorporates PUMA’s innovative CLOUDSPUN and THERMOADAPT technologies. These features ensure comfort and coolness, whether you’re deep into a training block or racing on the big day. CLOUDSPUN provides a premium, ultra-soft feel, while THERMOADAPT wicks moisture away and activates cooling when needed.

Key pieces from the women’s collection include the PUMA x HYROX W Cloudspun Hoodie, Sleeveless Top, Mid-Impact Bra, and 3” Short Tight. For men, highlights include the Cloudspun M Tank, Hoodie, and 2in1 Training Short.

The SS25 collection also marks the debut of exclusive PUMA x HYROX footwear in three iconic PUMA silhouettes:

  • Velocity NITRO™ 3
  • Deviate NITRO™ 3
  • Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3

Each shoe features PUMA’s renowned PUMAGRIP outsole, delivering exceptional grip during functional exercises and on race runs.

Velocity NITRO™ 3
This all-around training partner combines NITROFOAM™ cushioning for responsiveness with breathable mesh and targeted support via PWRTAPE. It’s versatile, comfortable, and ready for any workout.

  • Weight: 264g (UK 8)
  • Stack Height: 36mm
  • Drop: 10mm

Deviate NITRO™ 3
Designed for speed and endurance, this shoe amps up the cushioning with advanced NITROFOAM™ and includes a carbon-fiber PWR Plate for explosive toe-offs.

  • Weight: 265g (UK 8)
  • Stack Height: 39mm
  • Drop: 10mm

Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3
PUMA’s lightest race-day shoe, the Elite 3 uses NITROFOAM™ Elite for maximum energy return, along with an enhanced carbon-fiber PWR Plate for peak propulsion.

  • Weight: 194g
  • Stack Height: 40mm
  • Drop: 8mm

About Hyrox:

HYROX is a global fitness race designed to inspire people from all walks of life to pursue a healthy lifestyle. Each race includes eight rounds of a 1km run paired with a functional workout. With four race categories – Team Relay, Doubles, Individual Open, and Individual Pro – there’s something for everyone, no matter your fitness level.

Moritz Fürste, HYROX Co-founder, shared his excitement:
“PUMA has been a foundational partner for us, and this collaboration takes our shared vision for fitness racing to the next level. Together, we’re creating apparel and footwear that enhance training and racing experiences for both elite athletes and everyday participants. I can’t wait to see where we go from here.”

The PUMA x HYROX collection launched globally on 9 January 2025 and is available at HYROX events, PUMA.com, PUMA retail stores, and Totalsports. (Please note: the Deviate NITRO™ Elite 3 will not be available in South Africa.)

For more details, visit www.puma.com.