Ahead of its next event in Arizona in December, The Marathon Project announced on Wednesday that Jess McClain has joined it ownership group after participating in last year’s event as a pacer.
McClain’s involvement with the venture brings a jolt of added credibility to a race experience that is tailored for professionals and amateurs who want a marathon at end of the year that combines quality with a fast course and competitive fields.
“Although life after the elite level of our sport isn’t something I am always thinking about, it is certainly something I am planning for,” McClain said. “It seemed so right to join this team and see what magic we can continue to build in the marathon and here in Arizona. I know I can’t race the marathon at this level forever, but I am excited to work to make it better and more accessible at this level for generations to come.”
Terms of the deal were not disclosed or what is McClain’s total stake in the venture.
McClain lives and trains in Phoenix, which is near the race course in Chandler. The Marathon Project launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic by Ben Rosario and Josh Cox and was one of the few races being offered as other events were canceled for safety precautions.
At the inaugural event, Martin Hehir won the men’s race in 2:08:59 in a field of 40 competitors while Sarah Hall took the women’s division in 2:20:32.
The event took a hiatus before Rosario announced in December 2024 that the competition would return after five years but as an annual race.
“We know we have proof-of-concept from 2020, but this version is going to be much bigger and better,” Rosario said after revealing the return of the event. “We want to provide something for athletes looking to run as fast as possible that they have never experienced before.”
This year’s event on December 12 will remain on the same flat six-loop course from the previous iterations and be part of a weekend of activities and activations at Wild Horse Pass Resort.
Organizers said McClain will be “heavily involved” in the structure of the The Marathon Project’s business strategy and expect her to serve as a pacer in this year’s women’s Olympic Trials qualifying group.
“As one of the world’s top road racers, Jess has proven herself to be a relentless competitor,” Cox said. “Beyond that, her athletic journey has been fueled by self-belief and a positive mindset. That mindset, along with her encouraging spirit and love for the sport, is known throughout the industry. TMP athletes have experienced her generosity as a pacemaker, helping them race as fast as possible. We are fortunate to bring that spirit to The Marathon Project team.”
As the final details of this year’s event continue to take shape, organizer also announced that the professional and amateur races will happen at the same time to “maximize the energy on the course.” The marathon field will be capped at 400 athletes and more than half of the entries have already been claimed.
