Three-time Olympian Dathan Ritzenhein is the third-fastest U.S. marathoner of all time, behind Khalid Khannouchi and Ryan Hall. Now self-coached, Ritzenhein still seeks advice from his former coach, 1982 Boston Marathon champion Alberto Salazar. Ritzenhein’s career highlights include finishing second at the 2007 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, finishing ninth at the 2008 Olympic Marathon, winning the bronze medal at the 2009 IAAF World Half Marathon Championships, and finishing 13th at the 2012 Olympic Games 10,000m. Of his Olympic experiences, Ritzenhein says, “It was an amazing experience each time.
Being able to wear the USA uniform is an honor I will always cherish. There is no feeling like walking into the stadium for the opening ceremonies or standing at the start line with the USA jersey on.” His 2:07:47 personal best marathon was recorded with a ninth-place, top American finish, at the 2012 Chicago Marathon. A year later he returned to Chicago and finished fifth.

In his Boston debut, Ritzenhein says he will rely on the advice of Salazar, 1983 Boston Marathon champion Greg Meyer, and retired elite runner Jason Hartmann, who was fourth in Boston in 2012 and 2013. Ritzenhein started running when he was 11 years old to accompany his dad who had just joined a local running club.

He was soon competing and finding success in triathlons and road races,and then ran for the University of Colorado, where he earned a degree in history. He is married to his high school and college teammate Kalin Toedebusch and the couple has a daughter, Addison, and a son, Jude. He now works as an assistant track coach for Grand Valley State University.

“The Boston Marathon is the most iconic marathon in the world and I can’t wait to toe the line this year.
I have wanted to run Boston for a very long time and I will give it everything I have on race day. Every runner knows the importance this race holds, and I look forward to April 20 to take to the streets of Boston.”