Obiri, Klecker, Ford, Kiprop: On Athletics Club Goes the Marathon-Distance
OAC completes its distance spectrum, officially launching a dedicated marathon sub-group
New York, United States, October 30, 2025 - The On Athletics Club Global Team today announced the creation of the OAC Marathon division, a specialized subdivision focused on developing world-class athletes for the marathon distance. The announcement aligns with the marathon in New York, where three members of the team will be racing: Hellen Obiri (KEN), returning for a fourth time, and Joe Klecker (USA), making his marathon debut. The latest addition, Patrick Kiprop, will celebrate his On debut, racing the Dash to the Finish Line 5K.
The new chapter confirms a dedicated roster of athletes focused on the marathon distance. Taking on the role of dedicated coach for this marathon sub-group is Laura Thweatt, a former US Champion and accomplished marathoner. She will oversee the daily training of the athletes, working under the continued guidance of OAC Head Coach Dathan Ritzenhein, who remains actively involved in their primary coaching and strategic development. The roster is:
Hellen Obiri - One of the most decorated distance runners, unique as the only woman to win World Championship titles in Indoor Track, Outdoor Track, and Cross Country, alongside two Olympic Silver medals. She has made a historic transition to the marathon, winning the marathon in Boston consecutively (2023, 2024), the New York City (2023), and earning a Marathon Bronze medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Joe Klecker - A decorated American long-distance runner, a U.S. National Champion in the 10,000m and a Tokyo 2020 Olympian, who has now announced a definitive shift to the roads with his highly anticipated marathon debut scheduled for New York.
Ryan Ford - Drawing on his collegiate success as the OVC Male Cross Country Athlete of the Year, Ryan Ford quickly became a top American marathon talent, highlighted by his 2:08:00 finish at the marathon in Boston earlier this year. In his first race for On, he finished the marathon in Chicago in 02:09.37 as the third American.
Patrick Kiprop - A highly decorated Kenyan distance runner, known for his collegiate career at the University of Arkansas, where he earned 5-time First-team NCAA All-America honors and multiple SEC titles, and he is now successfully venturing into longer road races, including the Half Marathon distance, as he progresses toward the full marathon.
Dedicated Coaching and Strategic Focus
The group of athletes will have their day-to-day training overseen by Laura Thweatt, an established figure in professional running. Thweatt’s personal experience in major marathon fields brings invaluable tactical and physical acumen to the role, complementing Dathan Ritzenhein’s continued, overarching coaching responsibilities for the group.
“The creation of a dedicated marathon sub-group is a natural evolution for the OAC Global Team,” said Dathan Ritzenhein, OAC Global Head Coach. “We’ve seen more athletes interested in running this distance, which requires different training and approaches than athletes racing on the track or shorter distances. While I will continue to coach Hellen and Joe, and be responsible for the primary coaching of this new marathon group, bringing Laura on as the dedicated, on-the-ground coach provides essential focus. By dedicating a clear structure and providing specialized support with Laura, we’re able to provide our athletes with an optimal environment in which to develop their marathon skills and succeed on the global stage. Having Hellen return to New York and Joe stepping into the marathon distance for the first time, is the perfect timing to officially announce this initiative.”
Laura Thweatt commented on the strategic importance of the group: “This is a dream opportunity. Our goal is to build a program that translates the OAC’s high-performance mentality to the road. The combined experience of this group—from Hellen’s proven championship pedigree to the ambition of our newcomers—gives us an unparalleled foundation. I am thrilled to officially welcome Patrick and to guide this quartet through the next cycle of global marathons.”
Remaining based in Boulder, Colorado, the athletes and coaching staff will operate alongside the existing On Athletics Club team, benefiting from the established infrastructure. This initial group will follow a training calendar and cycle optimized for the rigors of marathon preparation, laying the foundation for what is expected to be a growing roster in the future.
About On
On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fifteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® and LightSpray™ innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.
On is present in more than 80 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.