by Deji Ogeyingbo
CJ Albertson was the first American male at the 2024 BAA Boston Marathon and the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. Deji Ogeyingbo did a piece on CJ for us, and his performance was in Chicago!
CJ Albertson Eyes Improvement After Chicago Marathon Personal Best, 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. Albertson, known for his consistent performances and impressive finishes, outpaced many seasoned marathoners as he continued solidifying 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 fellow American Zach Panning. To stay on a 2:06:40 pace, which was much faster than his previous best of 2:09:50, Albertson maintained a relaxed, controlled strategy despite the chaotic first 10 kilometers. “It was deafening and hectic early on, but I just tried to remain calm,” he said, reflecting on the race’s opening stages.
October 13, 2014
Chicago, Illinois, USA, photo by Kevin Morris
Despite the intense pace, Albertson found his rhythm, staying focused as the miles ticked. At mile 16, fatigue set in, but rather than pushing to stay with the lead pack, Albertson adjusted his strategy, allowing himself to run at a slightly slower but sustainable pace of 4:55 per mile. This decision allowed him to conserve energy for a strong finish, a hallmark of his racing style.
One of the critical moments in the race came when Albertson passed Zach Panning with about 1.5 miles remaining. Aware of the potential prize money, Albertson got ahead, explaining, “At that point, I was just hoping he wouldn’t see me. I wanted to pass him quickly and get away.”
October 13, 2014
Chicago, Illinois, USA, photo by Kevin Morris
Known for his robust finishes, Albertson didn’t disappoint in the race’s closing stages. His training regimen, which includes hard long runs where he consistently pushes the pace in the final miles, paid off once again as he closed with the fastest last couple of miles in the field.
Looking ahead, Albertson’s strong performance in Chicago has set the stage for his next big challenge—New York. He’s targeting another top finish there, aiming to be the top American in all three major marathons he’s participated in this year, having already accomplished that in Boston and now Chicago.
As Albertson proves his strength and resilience, his future in marathon racing looks bright. With innovative race management, a fierce competitive spirit, and a methodical approach to training, he’s well-positioned to continue pushing his limits and achieving even faster times on the world stage.
C
