Xavier alum Jess McClain now part-owner of local marathon race

Jess McClain’s running renaissance continues. McClain is the former Phoenix Xavier Prep star who returned to runningafter a three-year hiatus and is now the American course record holder at the Boston Marathon. Now, she has added another title: sports entrepreneur. The Phoenix native has joined the

Explore More

SEE ALL

Ventura County Star, Camarillo

When will the In-N-Out in Camarillo reopen?

AP News

Elena Rybakina stops playing during first set of quarterfinal vs. Iga Swiatek at Cincinnati

Rapid Read

Young Fisherman Sustains Eye Injury in Freak Accident at Emerald Isle Pier, Awaits Further Surgery

What is the story about?

Jess McClain’s running renaissance continues.

McClain is the former Phoenix Xavier Prep star who returned to runningafter a three-year hiatus and is now the American course record holder at the Boston Marathon. Now, she has added another title: sports entrepreneur.

The Phoenix native has joined the ownership group of The Marathon Project, a local race in Chandler that returned to the area in 2025.

As part of her role, McClain will be involved in the business strategy of the event.

“Although life after the elite level of our sport isn't something I am always thinking about, it is certainly something I am planning for,” McClain said in a press release. “It seemed so right to join this team and see what magic we can continue to build in the marathon

and here in Arizona. I know I can't race the marathon at this level forever, but I am excited to work to make it better and more accessible at this level for generations to come."

McClain, who is a hopeful for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics after missing out on Paris by 15 seconds, plans to compete in the race as well. At the moment, McClain’s time of 2:20.49 makes her the fastest American woman for the marathon.

Jess McClain of the United States crosses the finish line as the first American woman during the 130th Boston Marathon on April 20, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts. She set an American record on the course.

During her time at Xavier, McClain won 12 state titles in cross-country and track and field. She went on to compete collegiately at Stanford and then professionally for Brooks Running, until she stepped away from the sport. McClain returned to running in 2023 and is currently sponsored by Brooks.

The Marathon Project was founded by Ben Rosario, who is also the co-founder of HOKA Northern Arizona Elite. The race will take place on Saturday, Dec. 12, on the grounds of the Wild Horse Pass Resort.

Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Xavier alum Jess McClain now part-owner of local marathon race