The Chase

The Olympic Bronze medalist in the marathon. Her and Coach Jon Green started the Verde Track club in Flagstaff AZ in the fall of 2022. Molly qualified for the Olympic marathon team in her Marathon Debut at the Olympic trials. Molly has since gone on to place 4th in the NYC Marathon finishing as the top American.

Molly Seidel, a powerhouse in the world of professional running, has been making waves since her early days on the track. Born on July 12, 1994, in Brookfield, Wisconsin, Seidel quickly established herself as a formidable competitor. As she gears up for the 2023 Hapalua, let’s take a look at her incredible journey and key accomplishments in the sport.

High School and College Success:

Seidel’s passion for running began in high school, where she became a four-time Wisconsin state cross country champion. Her talent continued to shine as she moved on to the University of Notre Dame, where she captured four NCAA titles. These titles included the 2015 NCAA Cross Country Championship, the 2015 NCAA Indoor 3000m, and both the 2015 and 2016 NCAA Outdoor 10,000m titles. Her success in college earned her the prestigious title of the 2015-2016 ACC Female Athlete of the Year.

Olympic Marathon Trials Debut:

In 2020, Seidel made her marathon debut at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Atlanta, where she shocked the running world by finishing second in 2:27:31. This incredible performance secured her a spot on Team USA for the Tokyo Olympics, making her an overnight sensation in the sport.

Tokyo Olympics:

Seidel’s meteoric rise continued at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), where she captured the bronze medal in the women’s marathon. This accomplishment made her the first American woman to medal in the marathon since Deena Kastor won bronze at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Seidel finished the race with a time of 2:27:46, showcasing her grit and determination on the world stage.

London Marathon:

Building on her Olympic success, Seidel went on to compete in the 2021 London Marathon, where she finished third with a time of 2:25:13. This impressive result further solidified her place as one of the top distance runners in the world.

New York Marathon

Molly followed up her historic Olympic performance by finishing the 2022 NYC Marathon in fourth place and first American. Her time of 2:24:42 is a personal best, beating the 2:25:13 she ran in London in 2021, and also betters Kara Goucher’s American course record of 2:25:53, set in 2008.

In addition to her stunning race performances, Seidel is known for her down-to-earth personality, dedication to the sport, and love for her hometown of Boston. As she prepares to compete in the 2023 Hapalua, fans eagerly anticipate what new achievements Molly Seidel will add to her already impressive resume. With her unwavering passion and commitment, the sky’s the limit for this remarkable athlete.

Jessa Hansen is a talented and dedicated distance runner, poised to make a strong showing at the 2023 Hapalua. As she prepares to participate in the exciting Chase format of the race, let’s delve into her journey and notable accomplishments within the world of professional running.

Early Running Career:

Born on May 28, 1990, in New Hampton, Iowa, Jessa Hansen began her running career at a young age. Her passion for the sport was ignited during her time at New Hampton High School, where she excelled in both track and cross country. After her successful high school career, Hansen continued her athletic journey at the University of Iowa.

Collegiate Success:

While attending the University of Iowa, Hansen became a key member of the Hawkeyes’ cross country and track teams. During her time with the Hawkeyes, she earned multiple All-Big Ten honors and set several personal bests in various distance events. Her dedication to the sport, coupled with her consistent performances, made her a valuable asset to the team.

Transition to Professional Running:

Following her collegiate career, Hansen transitioned into professional running, focusing primarily on long-distance events. She has been consistently improving her times and performances in various races, including marathons and half marathons. As a result, she has become a respected and formidable competitor within the running community.

Coaching and Mentorship:

In addition to her achievements as an athlete, Jessa Hansen has been actively involved in coaching and mentoring aspiring runners. Through her experience and knowledge, she has inspired countless young athletes, helping them unlock their potential and achieve their running goals.

Philanthropy:

Hansen’s dedication to her sport extends beyond her own training and racing. She has used her platform as a professional athlete to give back to the community and raise awareness for various charitable causes. By doing so, she has demonstrated her commitment to making a difference both on and off the track.

As Jessa Hansen gears up for the 2023 Hapalua, fans and fellow runners alike look forward to witnessing her passion, dedication, and talent in action. As a Chaser in this unique race format, Hansen is set to make a significant impact on the course, and her journey serves as an inspiration to many in the world of distance running.

Jacob Thomson, an accomplished distance runner, is preparing to showcase his talent at the 2023 Hapalua as one of the elite Chasers. With impressive performances throughout his running career, Thomson is definitely an athlete to watch. As we anticipate his performance at the Hapalua, let’s take a closer look at his journey and significant achievements in the sport of distance running.

Early Beginnings:

Born on November 8, 1993, in Louisville, Kentucky, Jacob Thomson first discovered his love for running during his time at Holy Cross High School. His exceptional talent was evident from the start, and he quickly became a standout athlete on his school’s cross country and track teams.

Collegiate Success:

After a remarkable high school career, Thomson attended North Carolina State University for a year before transferring to the University of Kentucky. At the University of Kentucky, he continued to excel in both cross country and track and field, earning multiple All-SEC honors and breaking several school records. His consistent performances and dedication to the sport marked him as one of the top collegiate runners in the nation.

Transition to Professional Running:

Following his successful collegiate career, Jacob Thomson turned his focus to professional running, specializing in long-distance events. His commitment to the sport has led to notable achievements, including strong performances in major marathons and half marathons. As a result, Thomson has become a respected competitor on the professional running circuit.

Coaching and Mentorship:

In addition to his racing accomplishments, Thomson has dedicated time to coaching and mentoring up-and-coming runners. His experience and knowledge have helped many young athletes develop their skills and reach their full potential in the sport.

Community Involvement:

Thomson’s passion for running extends beyond his own racing endeavors. He has been actively involved in his local running community, participating in events and initiatives that promote the sport and encourage others to embrace an active lifestyle.

As Jacob Thomson prepares for the 2023 Hapalua, his fans and fellow athletes eagerly await his performance in this unique race format. With his strong racing background and dedication to the sport, Thomson is poised to make a significant impact on the course. His inspiring journey serves as a testament to the power of hard work, commitment, and passion in the world of distance running.

Matt Llano, a seasoned marathoner and dedicated athlete, is set to make his mark at the 2023 Hapalua as one of the elite Chasers. With a string of impressive accomplishments to his name, Llano is certainly an athlete to keep an eye on during this unique race. As we look forward to his performance at the Hapalua, let’s explore his journey and major achievements in the world of distance running.

Early Beginnings:

Born on August 1, 1988, in Reading, Pennsylvania, Matt Llano discovered his passion for running while attending Governor Mifflin High School. Excelling in both track and cross country, Llano laid the groundwork for his future success as a distance runner.

Collegiate Career:

After a standout high school career, Llano attended the University of Richmond, where he continued to compete in cross country and track and field. During his time at Richmond, he earned multiple All-Conference honors and helped lead his team to several conference titles. His consistent performances and unwavering dedication to the sport made him a key contributor to his collegiate team’s success.

Transition to Professional Running:

Following his collegiate career, Matt Llano turned his attention to professional running, specializing in the marathon and half marathon distances. Over the years, he has consistently improved his times and race performances, earning a reputation as a tenacious competitor in the sport. Some of his notable achievements include top-10 finishes at major marathons, such as the Chicago Marathon and the U.S. Marathon Championships.

Advocacy and Mentorship:

In addition to his impressive race results, Llano is known for his advocacy work and mentorship within the running community. He has been open about his journey as an LGBTQ+ athlete and has used his platform to inspire and encourage others to pursue their dreams, regardless of their backgrounds or personal challenges.

Community Involvement:

Llano’s commitment to running extends beyond his personal racing career. He has been actively involved in various community initiatives and events that promote the sport, inspire healthy lifestyles, and support charitable causes.

As Matt Llano prepares to compete in the 2023 Hapalua, fans and fellow athletes eagerly anticipate his performance in the Chase format. With his experience, competitive spirit, and dedication to the sport, Llano is poised to make a significant impact on the racecourse. His inspiring journey serves as a reminder of the power of perseverance, hard work, and passion in the world of distance running.

Yuichi Jumonji, 21, Japan