Spring is settling in across the Northern Hemisphere, and with it comes a new period of intense activity for Trainers in Pokémon GO. The Spring Marathon event, which will run from May 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to May 18, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time, marks the arrival of Flittle and its evolution, Espathra, in the mobile game.

Flittle debuts, plus new costumed Pokémon

The most notable addition in this update is without a doubt Flittle. This Pokémon, along with its evolution with colorful frills, Espathra, are taking their first steps in the game’s ecosystem. Players will be able to encounter Flittle by hatching Eggs or as a reward tied to the GO Pass.

At the same time, the Spring Marathon expands the collection of themed variants. A Pikachu wearing a marathon visor will also make its debut. In addition, 5 km Eggs will let you get several Pokémon wearing flower crowns, reinforcing the seasonal feel of this 2026 edition.

  • Pichu wearing a flower crown

  • Togepi wearing a flower crown

  • Happiny wearing a flower crown

  • Flittle

Field Research and Timed Research

The event is built around a series of goals to complete in order to maximize rewards. Field Research will give players encounters with themed Pokémon, such as Eevee wearing a flower crown or Buneary wearing a flower crown.

A Timed Research is also available. By completing it before May 18, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. local time, participants can earn 21,000 XP as well as an encounter with the Pikachu wearing a marathon visor, underscoring the importance of time management for players looking to optimize their progress.

The GO Pass system: toward optimized progression

The GO Pass: Spring Marathon is automatically given to all players, offering tiered bonuses. At the first rank, players get XP bonuses at PokéStops, while the second rank halves the distance required to hatch Eggs placed in an Incubator for the duration of the event.

For 4.99 USD, the GO Pass Deluxe offers improved rewards, while a 6.99 USD option adds 6 extra ranks, making it easier to reach rank 7 and high-level resources.

What it means for players

The inclusion of the GO Pass Deluxe noticeably changes the event’s economy by offering rare items such as XL Rare Candy, XL Candy and Silver Pinap Berries. This split in the experience, between free players and paying ones, lets each Trainer adjust their speed of progression to their personal goals.