Jordan Chipangama started competing internationally as a junior runner at the 2005 Marrakesh IAAF World Youth Championships, where he finished sixth in the 1500m in 3:48.91. He also competed for his country at the Moscow indoor and outdoor World Junior Championships in the 1500m, and the Beijing IAAF World Junior Championships in the 1500m and 800m. After competing for Northern Arizona University, Chipangama made the transition to the roads and has competed successfully in the half marathon, winning the 2015 San Jose and San Diego Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathons and the La Jolla San Diego Holiday Half Marathon. His best time in the half marathon is 1:02:24. In the marathon distance, he has steadily improved to a 2:11:35 personal best time. His proudest accomplishment was qualifying for the 2013 IAAF World Championships Marathon in Beijing.

Chipangama lives and trains in Arizona in Flagstaff, Sedona, Camp Verde, and Phoenix. He graduated from Northern Arizona University, after receiving an athletic scholarship, and has a bachelor’s degree in biology. He says he is motivated to run well in Boston: “It has always been in my mind that once given the opportunity, then Boston is a must-do marathon, partly because it’s the most famous marathon in the world and running there makes me feel as though I have accomplished a great deal as a professional runner.” Chipangama works part time at a nursing home and is also a volunteer youth running coach. He likes listening to country music, traveling to new places, and swimming in the ocean. He is a father to son Jori, who recently turned six. He says, “I am dedicating this historic race to my late mother, who passed away in October from pancreatic cancer. She taught me the meaning of love, which I now share with my family and friends. I will race for nothing less than a win.”

“ I will take this given opportunity with gratitude to #RunBold and share what the Boston Marathon has to offer.”