CJ Albertson was the first American male in the 2024 BAA Boston Marathon and the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Deji Ogeyingbo did a piece for us at CJ and his performance was in Chicago.
CJ Alberson improves personal best after Chicago Marathon, aims for more success
CJ Albertson showed remarkable endurance and mental toughness as he led the American men’s contingent at this year’s Chicago Marathon, clocking a personal best of 2:08:17 to finish seventh overall. Known for his consistent performances and impressive finishes, Albertson outlasted many seasoned marathoners as he continued to solidify his place among America’s top long-distance runners.
From the start, Albertson executed a well-thought-out race plan. Aware of the fast pace expected, he positioned himself alongside a pack that included three Japanese runners and American Zach Penning. To stay on pace for 2:06:40, well faster than his previous best of 2:09:50, Albertsson maintained a calm, controlled tactic despite the chaos of the first 10 kilometers. “It was rough and tumble early on but I just tried to stay calm,” he said of the opening stages of the race.
October 13, 2014
Chicago, Illinois, USA, photo by Kevin Morris
Despite the intense pace, Albertson found her rhythm, staying focused as the miles ticked by. Fatigue set in at mile 16, but rather than push to stay with the lead pack, Albertson adjusted his strategy, allowing himself to run a slightly slower but steady pace of 4:55 per mile. This decision allowed him to save energy for the strong finish that is a hallmark of his racing style.
One of the critical moments of the race came when Albertson passed Zach Penning with about 1.5 miles to go. Upon learning of the potential prize money, Albertson stepped forward, explaining: “At that point I was just hoping he wouldn’t see me. I wanted to quickly pass him and leave.”
October 13, 2014
Chicago, Illinois, USA, photo by Kevin Morris
Known for his strong finishes, Albertson did not disappoint in the closing stages of the race. His training regimen, which includes hard long runs where he consistently pushes the pace in the final miles, paid off once again as he finished the fastest final two miles in the field.
Looking ahead, Albertson’s strong performance in Chicago has set the stage for his next big challenge in New York. He’s aiming for another top finish there, aiming to be the top American in all three major marathons he’s entered this year, having already accomplished that in Boston and now Chicago.
As Albertson proves her strength and flexibility, her future in marathon racing looks bright. With innovative race management, a fierce competitive spirit and a methodical approach to training, he is well positioned to continue to push his limits and achieve even faster times on the world stage.
C:
