Marathon Project

The Marathon Project was an elite-only marathon held on the Gila River Indian Reservation in Chandler, Arizona.[1] December 2020. It was created by Northern Arizona Elite coach Ben Rosario together with Josh Cox and Matt Helbig to provide a race after many of the World Marathon Majors were cancelled due to COVID-19.[2]

Medical student Martin Hehir finished first in a time of 2:08:59 and Sara Hall won the women's race and became the second fastest American marathoner in a race paced by Calum Neff.[3][4][5]

Among the records set at the race, Nathan Martin became the fastest American born African-American marathoner when he finished in 2:11:05 to beat Herm Atkins' 2:11:32.[6][7]

  1. ^ Gearheart, Sarah. "The Marathon Project". Tracksmith. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  2. ^ Metcalfe, Jeff (2020-12-19). "Elite marathoners come to Chandler for The Marathon Project to fill COVID-created void". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  3. ^ Garcia, Julie (2021-01-04). "Chevron Houston Marathon to kick off — virtually — this week". The Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  4. ^ Fritz Huber, Martin (2020-12-21). "The Marathon Project Was a Predictable Thrill". Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  5. ^ "Sara Hall runs second-fastest marathon ever by American woman". 2020-12-20. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  6. ^ Dutch, Taylor (2022-01-26). "Nathan Martin - Elite Runner, High-School XC Coach, Substitute Teacher". Runners World. Archived from the original on 2022-02-03. Retrieved 2022-02-21.
  7. ^ Hamilton, Michelle (2020-12-21). "Runners' Races Were Canceled. Their Coaches Filled the Void". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-02-21.