CJ Albertson to run in Ottawa

Albertson, celebrated for his world record finishing time of 2:38:43 at the 50-kilometer Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run in San Francisco, brings significant excitement to this year’s event in Ottawa.

Albertson ran collegiately for Arizona State University. During his time there he broke the school’s indoor 5000m record, had four program top 10 results, and qualified for the 2016 NCAA Championships in the steeplechase. His impressive marathon career includes setting the world record for the Indoor Marathon at the Armory in New York City in April of 2019 with a time of 2:17:59.4, and achieving a personal best of 2:08:17 (7th place) at the 2024 Chicago Marathon.

His consistent top placements in the Abbott World Major marathons have established him as a formidable competitor on the international stage. In 2024 Albertson competed in the Boston Marathon where he finished in 7th place with a time of 2:09:53, the New York City Marathon finishing with a time of 2:10:57 for 10th place, and the Chicago Marathon where he placed 7th overall and was the first American finisher. He also took 5th place in the 2024 US Olympic Marathon Trials with a time of 2:10:07. He wrapped up 2024 with a 2:10:08 performance at the California International Marathon, finishing 2nd in what was his fifth competitive marathon of the year.

“I’m looking forward to my Canadian racing debut in Ottawa to kick off my summer”, says Albertson. ”This will be a great opportunity for me to run fast, compete against great competition and experience the city.”

The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, a World Athletics Label Race, is known for its scenic course through Canada’s capital region and its vibrant atmosphere, attracting elite athletes and running enthusiasts from around the globe. This year participants can look forward to a new flatter and faster course that spans both the province of Ontario and Quebec in addition to serving as a qualifying event for the Boston Marathon.

Race organizers are thrilled to welcome Albertson to this year’s elite field, anticipating a competitive and memorable race. His participation underscores the marathon’s reputation as a premier event in the international running community.

“CJ is one of North America’s top distance runners in this generation,” says Stephen Andersen, Run Ottawa’s Elite Coordinator. His performance in Chicago in 2024 places him as one of the top-10 American men all-time in the marathon. We are excited to welcome CJ to Canada for the first time to race against what is shaping up to be a deep field and we expect CJ to be in contention for the 2025 title.”

In the history of the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon there have only been two first place finishes for American men, Greg Leroy in 1982 (2:21:04) and Ric Sayre in 1985 (2:16:18).

Registration for the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon is currently open, with options for in-person, virtual, and Green Bib participation. Runners of all levels are encouraged to join and experience the unparalleled excitement of Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend.