The Marathon Project, which launched in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic, will return in 2025 as an annual event, race co-founder Ben Rosario announced on Wednesday.
The inaugural event, staged at Wild Horse Pass Resort in Chandler, Arizona, was started as a way to bring elite and top runners together for competition at a time when major races were canceled.
But next year’s race, which will return to the same flat — and fast — six-loop course, will take place as part of a weekend of events from December 19 to 21 with the goal of producing fast times on a criterium-style course.
“We know we have proof-of-concept from 2020, but this version is going to be much bigger and better,” Rosario said in a statement. “We want to provide something for athletes looking to run as fast as possible that they have never experienced before.”
In 2020, Martin Hehir surged to the win in the men’s division in 2:08:59, in a field of 40 competitors.
“I’ll never forget crossing that finish line and joining some of the fastest Americans in history,” Hehir said a statement.
Sarah Hall clocked a 2:20:32 to finish first among 33 women. Hall’s win put her at second-fastest ever of all American women at the time. Keira D’Amato (2:19:12), Betsy Saina (2:19:17) and Deena Kastor (2:19:36) have since moved up the list, with Hall’s 2020 time now ranking fifth.
“The roads are pristine, the course is lightning fast, and you can’t beat Chandler in December,” Hall said in a statement. “I’m so excited the race is back and more people will get a chance to chase a PR at this unique event.”
Rosario also revealed that the 2025 event will feature the amateur-focused Gold Wave Marathon, which will host 500 men and 500 women that meet qualifying standards and race will utilize the same course and amenities as the professionals.
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