Running News Daily

In just the second marathon of his young career, Charles Hicks has already placed himself among the fastest American marathoners in history.

The 24-year-old ran 2:04:35 to finish seventh at the 2026 Boston Marathon, recording the second-fastest marathon ever by an American man. On a course that does not qualify for record purposes, Hicks’ performance still stands as a major statement—one that confirms his rapid rise in the sport.

Boston is not a place where fast times come easily. The point-to-point course, unpredictable weather, and late-race challenges make it one of the most difficult marathons in the world to master. Yet Hicks handled it with the composure of a far more experienced runner, staying competitive with a deep international field and closing strong over the final miles.

What makes the performance even more impressive is how quickly it has come. 

Hicks made his marathon debut in New York, where he finished sixth, immediately showing that he could compete at the highest level. In Boston, he nearly matched that placing while significantly improving his time, taking a major step forward in just his second attempt at the distance.

At 24, Hicks represents the next wave of American distance running—young, fearless, and capable of producing world-class performances early in his career. His 2:04:35 places him in elite company and signals that he may have even more to come as he gains experience.

His progression also highlights the depth currently building in American marathoning. With athletes like Zouhair Talbi, Conner Mantz, and Clayton Young pushing the front, Hicks now firmly joins that group as a runner to watch on the global stage.

Boston has long been a proving ground, and Hicks passed the test in emphatic fashion. 

This was not just a strong performance.

It was the kind of run that suggests a major career is just beginning.