In a historic move, Orlando is set to welcome the nation's top male and female long-distance runners competing for a chance to represent Team USA at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Orlando is the first Florida city to be awarded the event. Collaborating with various organizations, including USA Track & Field and the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, the City of Orlando is proud to host the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 10 am EST in the heart of Downtown Orlando.

Below is a map of the race course.

Navigating the Road to the Paris Olympics: U.S. Marathon Trials Qualification Unveiled

Qualifying for the U.S. marathon trials demands precision, with men aiming for a 2:18 time or a sub-1:03 half marathon, and women targeting 2:37 or a sub-1:12 half marathon. 

To secure a spot at the Olympics starting lines in Paris, athletes must achieve top 5 placement in a Platinum Label Marathon (World Major Marathons), run under 2:08:10 (men) or 2:26:50 (women), or rank top 65 globally (limited to three athletes per country) with a marathon time under 2:11:30 (men) or 2:29:30 (women).

Here are the top Athletes with the best qualifying times:

MEN ATHLETES

Conner Mantz Qualifying Time: 2:07:47

6th, 2023 Bank of America Chicago Marathon; 2022 USATF 20 km Champion; 2021 USATF Half Marathon Champion; 2-time NCAA Cross Country Champion

Clayton Young  Qualifying Time: 2:08:00

4-time USATF Champion (8K, 10K, 15K and 20K); 7th-fastest U.S. marathoner; 2019 NCAA Champion, 10,000m; 8-time NCAA All-American

WOMEN ATHLETES
Emily Sisson   Qualifying Time: 2:18:29

is an accomplished American long-distance runner with notable achievements. She holds the American record for the marathon with a time of 2:18:29, achieved in the 2022 Bank of America Chicago Marathon. In the 2020 Olympics, she secured the 10th position in the 10,000m race. Sisson is also the second all-time fastest American in the half marathon, clocking 1:06:52 in Houston 2023

Keira D'Amato Qualifying Time: 2:19:12

American Record-holder in the half marathon (66:39); former American Record-holder in the marathon (2:19:12); World Best time for women-only 10 Mile (51:23); Hall of Fame for American University and Oakton High School

 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon, set to showcase the city as a national sports destination.

Mayor Buddy Dyer anticipates a $12 to 15 million economic boost for the local economy. The marathon route, recently tested, weaves through vibrant areas like the business district and the Milk District, offering a flat and fast course.

Preparations are in full swing, with the city expecting hundreds of thousands of spectators along the route. The downtown area, particularly near Lake Eola, will be bustling with activity. With 1,500 volunteers ready to support, Jon Hughes from Track Shack assures that Orlando is fully prepared for the marathon, comparing the planning process to training for a marathon itself.

Athletes and attendees can look forward to a unique experience as the closed, looped course allows spectators multiple views of the runners. Past Olympic distance runner Keith Brantly highlights the significance of this visibility for distance runners who typically train in solitude.

To ensure minimal disruption, the city has established a dedicated website, email, and hotline for information and inquiries. Orlando is poised to deliver a safe, enjoyable, and memorable event for participants and residents alike.