The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon event is returning with Arctic Embers, a Fire and Ice-themed event running from Tuesday, August 4, at 10:00 a.m. until Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon introduces Shiny Snom for the first time, alongside rotating wild encounters, themed 5 km Eggs, Field Research, free Timed Research and a special GO Pass with free and paid reward tracks.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Dates and Times
The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon begins on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time.
The event ends on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
| Event | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Starts | Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. local time |
| Ends | Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time |
| GO Pass rewards expire | Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time |
This gives Trainers almost a full week to complete Pokémon GO Summer Marathon tasks, earn GO Points and hunt the event’s featured Pokémon.
Shiny Snom Debuts During Summer Marathon
The biggest feature of the Pokémon GO Summer Marathon event is the debut of Shiny Snom.
For the first time in Pokémon GO, Trainers will be able to encounter a Shiny Snom if they are lucky. Snom will be available through GO Pass tasks and from 5 km Eggs obtained during the event.
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Snom is likely to be one of the most popular targets throughout the event because its Shiny form has never previously been available in Pokémon GO.
Summer Marathon: Arctic Embers Event Tracker
Our free Summer Marathon: Arctic Embers Event Tracker lets you track every featured Pokémon, Shiny, Hundo, Egg hatch, GO Pass reward and research task throughout the event. Your progress is automatically saved on your device, making it easy to return and continue your collection whenever you play.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Wild Encounters
The Summer Marathon will feature a mixture of Fire-type and Ice-type Pokémon in the wild.
The following Pokémon may appear throughout the event:
- Vulpix
- Alolan Vulpix
- Growlithe
- Swinub
- Snorunt
- Additional event-themed Pokémon
Each of the listed Pokémon can potentially appear as a Shiny Pokémon.
Several featured Pokémon will also rotate on alternating days during the Pokémon GO Summer Marathon.
| Dates | Featured Pokémon |
|---|---|
| August 4, 6, 8 and 10 | Ponyta and Snover |
| August 5, 7, 9 and 10 | Slugma and Vanillite |
Ponyta, Slugma, Snover and Vanillite will all have an increased chance of appearing as Shiny Pokémon during the event.
August 10 is particularly useful because all four rotating Pokémon will be available on the final day.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Bonuses
The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon bonuses are unlocked by reaching Major Milestones on the event GO Pass.
At Rank 10, free GO Pass players will unlock double XP for spinning PokéStops. GO Pass Deluxe players will instead receive triple XP for spinning PokéStops.
At Rank 20, free GO Pass players will unlock half Egg Hatch Distance. GO Pass Deluxe players will receive quarter Egg Hatch Distance.
| Required rank | Free GO Pass bonus | GO Pass Deluxe bonus |
|---|---|---|
| Rank 10 | 2× XP for spinning PokéStops | 3× XP for spinning PokéStops |
| Rank 20 | Half Egg Hatch Distance | Quarter Egg Hatch Distance |
The Egg Hatch Distance bonus only applies to Eggs placed into an Incubator while the bonus is active.
Additional bonus tasks may also become available for the Pokémon GO Summer Marathon GO Pass during the event.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Egg Pool
The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon will feature a special 5 km Egg pool.
The following Pokémon can hatch from 5 km Eggs:
- Sneasel
- Darumaka
- Galarian Darumaka
- Sizzlipede
- Snom
All five featured Pokémon can potentially hatch as Shiny Pokémon.
Snom will likely be the main target, but Sizzlipede may also appeal to Trainers who still need Candy or a stronger IV example.
The reduced Egg Hatch Distance bonus available through the GO Pass should make it easier to work through multiple 5 km Eggs before the event ends.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Field Research
Event-themed Field Research tasks will be available throughout the Pokémon GO Summer Marathon.
Completing these tasks can reward encounters with event Pokémon including:
- Ponyta
- Slugma
- Snover
- Vanillite
- Additional featured Pokémon
The complete task requirements have not yet been confirmed, so the Field Research rewards can be updated once the Pokémon GO Summer Marathon begins.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Timed Research
The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon includes a free Timed Research story for all Trainers.
Completing the Timed Research will award:
- 16,800 XP
- An encounter with Pikachu wearing a marathon visor
The Timed Research must be completed and all rewards claimed before Monday, August 10, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Any unfinished tasks or unclaimed rewards will disappear when the Pokémon GO Summer Marathon ends.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon GO Pass
Every Trainer will automatically receive the free Pokémon GO Summer Marathon GO Pass when the event begins.
Players can earn GO Points by completing Pass Tasks. Collecting enough GO Points increases the player’s rank and unlocks rewards.
Free GO Pass rewards include:
- Pokémon encounters
- Stardust
- XP
- Rare Candy
- Ultra Balls
- Additional items
The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon GO Pass can be progressed until Monday, August 10, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Unlocked rewards must then be claimed by Wednesday, August 12, at 8:00 p.m. local time.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon GO Pass Deluxe
The paid GO Pass Deluxe costs US$4.99 or the equivalent local price.
A second option, GO Pass Deluxe plus six ranks, costs US$6.99 and provides enough GO Points to reach Rank 7 immediately.
GO Pass Deluxe rewards include:
- Extra Pokémon encounters
- Incense
- Silver Pinap Berries
- Rare Candy XL
- Candy XL
- Additional premium rewards
Players who upgrade later during the Pokémon GO Summer Marathon can still claim premium rewards from ranks they have already completed.
Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Web Store Bonuses
Players who purchase the GO Pass Deluxe through the Pokémon GO Web Store will receive additional items.
The standard GO Pass Deluxe and GO Pass Deluxe plus six ranks include:
- 10 Ultra Balls
- Five Max Revives
- One Premium Battle Pass
- Five Max Potions
The GO Pass Deluxe plus six ranks Ultra Box includes:
- 20 Ultra Balls
- 10 Max Revives
- 10 Max Potions
- Two Premium Battle Passes
- One Incubator
- One Super Incubator
Each Pokémon GO Summer Marathon GO Pass Deluxe option can only be purchased once.
Is Pokémon GO Summer Marathon Worth Playing?
The Pokémon GO Summer Marathon is likely to be most valuable for Shiny hunters and players who hatch a large number of Eggs.
Shiny Snom is the event’s headline debut, while Ponyta, Slugma, Snover and Vanillite will all receive boosted Shiny opportunities.
The XP bonuses should also be useful for players who regularly spin PokéStops, while the reduced Hatch Distance makes the event more appealing for anyone holding several 5 km Eggs.
Even without purchasing the Deluxe track, the free GO Pass, Timed Research and event encounters give Trainers several reasons to take part throughout the week.
