On Tuesday, the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon announced one of its major headliners for the 2025 race: renowned American marathoner and 50K world record holder, CJ Albertson.
Albertson holds a marathon personal best of 2:08:17, which he set at the 2024 Chicago Marathon, where he was the top American finisher. The 31-year-old from Fresno, Calif., finished fifth at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials and is best known for his world-record performance at the 50-kilometre Ruth Anderson Memorial Endurance Run in San Francisco (2:38:43) in 2022.
“I’m looking forward to my Canadian racing debut in Ottawa to kick off my summer,” said Albertson. “This will be a great opportunity for me to run fast, compete against great competition and experience the city.”
Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend organizers are thrilled to welcome American long-distance runner CJ Albertson to this year’s elite field for the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, anticipating a competitive and memorable race. Read the full announcement: https://t.co/qpwQE0Bcpx pic.twitter.com/SxGB2Dky2f
— Tamarack Ottawa Race Weekend (@OttawaRaceWknd) February 18, 2025
Ottawa isn’t the only race on Albertson’s calendar this spring. He is also one of the American headliners for the 2025 Boston Marathon on April 21. The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon will take place nearly five weeks after Boston, on May 25. Although Ottawa might sound like a quick turnaround, Albertson has previously raced several marathons in a tight window. Last fall, he raced three marathons over eight weeks and ran under 2:11:00 at each one, including his PB of 2:08:17 in Chicago.
“CJ is one of North America’s top distance runners of this generation,” says Ottawa elite co-ordinator, Stephen Andersen. “His performance in Chicago in 2024 places him top 10 all-time among American men in the marathon. We are excited to welcome CJ to Canada for the first time, where he will compete against what is shaping up to be a deep field. We expect him to be in contention for the 2025 title.”
Historically, American men have not had a lot of success at the Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, with only two victories: Greg Leroy in 1982 (2:21:04) and Ric Sayre in 1985 (2:16:18). Albertson will be looking to end the 40-year drought and add his name to the record books.
The Tartan Ottawa International Marathon, a World Athletics Label Race, is renowned for its scenic course through Canada’s capital and vibrant racing atmosphere. This year, participants will compete on a newly designed, flatter and faster course spanning both Ontario and Quebec (last year’s race remained in the nation’s capital), with the added bonus of serving as a Boston Marathon qualifier.
