26.2 is a thematic, strategic racing game based on training for and running a marathon. The game is played in 2 phases, the Training Phase and The Race. During Training players draft cards to complete an individual 12 week 'Training Plan', which gives the players a boost to Stamina, Speed, Strength, Hydration, and Energy attributes on a Fitness Tracker, whilst also potentially adding to a negative Fatigue attribute. Training cards can combine for added bonuses/penalties, or may be used to resolve and remove Injury cards. Players can also attempt to achieve training goals, which if completed, add special one time use 'Pace' cards for use during the race.
Once Training is finished and players have completed their Fitness Tracker, they move to The Race. During the Race players use a shared 'Pace Deck' to move around the track. From a starting hand of 5 Pace cards, they simultaneously choose 3 to play, moving the total value of their cards on their turn, refilling their hand to 5 cards at turn end. Movement can be modified by utilising the attributes built up during Training. For instance, 1 Stamina allows the play of an additional card, 1 Speed adds one to movement total, and 1 Strength negates one negative pace on hills or into headwinds.
The Race board is split into 'Zones' 1-6. The total value of 'Pace' cards played begins to add Fatigue to a players Fitness Tracker, beginning in Zone 2, with higher Pace totals adding increasing amounts of Fatigue in later Zones. Each Fatigue reduces the total Pace value by 1. In order to combat Fatigue, players must use Energy to either reduce the Fatigue level on their tracker by 1 or increase Speed on their tracker by 1. Energy is gained in Training or can be picked up at 'Aid Stations' along the race route. Hydration can refill the Stamina or Strength attributes in the same way as Energy.
During the Race, players will also collect and play 'Event' cards that can grant rewards or penalties that will impact the race. Each player has one Starting Event which is resolved prior to their first turn, and Zone Events which must be resolved whilst in a specified Zone of the race route.
Managing your attributes and pace is key to victory. Do you have the endurance needed to cross the finish line in triumph?
