Boston Record Holder McClain Acquires Stake in Marathon Project

Jess McClain, the current American course record holder at the Boston Marathon, has transitioned into an ownership role with The Marathon Project. The elite runner, who finished just 15 seconds shy of qualifying for the Paris Olympics, has joined the ownership group of the Chandler-based race. McClain will assist in guiding the business strategy of the event while continuing her competitive career.

The Marathon Project returned to the Arizona area in 2025 and is scheduled to take place on December 12 at the Wild Horse Pass Resort. Founded by Ben Rosario, the co-founder of HOKA Northern Arizona Elite, the race provides a platform for elite competition in the region. McClain’s involvement signals a merging of high-level performance and event management as she prepares for a potential bid at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

McClain’s marketability and visibility are closely tied to the performance apparel and footwear sector. She is currently sponsored by Deckers Outdoor Corporation, the parent company of Brooks Running. Deckers, a major player in the Consumer Cyclical sector, designs and distributes high-performance footwear and accessories.

Investors in the athletic footwear market may note that Deckers Outdoor Corporation is currently trading at $88.86. The stock recently saw a decline of 3.43% from a previous close of $92.02, bringing its market capitalization to approximately $12.19 billion. The company specializes in casual lifestyle and high-performance gear, relying on elite athletes like McClain to drive brand awareness in the running community.

McClain stated that while she is still focused on racing, joining the ownership group allows her to plan for her future beyond professional competition. She aims to improve the accessibility and quality of the marathon for future generations.

Source: original release

What to watch

• The Marathon Project race date is set for Saturday, Dec. 12.
• McClain’s preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
• Deckers Outdoor Corporation next quarterly earnings report.