Record Breaking Performances and Half-Marathon Debuts
From the HURT100 in Hawaii to the Houston Half-Marathon, On Athletes Deliver Exciting Results Around the World
ZURICH, Switzerland, January 20, 2025 - This past weekend, On athletes were competing around the globe, from the trails of Hawaii to the roads of Houston and the indoor track in Luxembourg. Alyssa Clark shattered expectations at the HURT100, becoming the first woman to break 24 hours on the grueling course. Meanwhile, Joe Klecker and Morgan McDonald took on their half-marathon debuts in Houston.
HURT100 Course Record
On Saturday morning Hawaii time, Alyssa Clark started her mission to become the first woman ever to go sub-24 hours on the iconic HURT100 course. 160km with 7467m of elevation laid in front of her to accomplish this mission. Early on Sunday morning, after 23 hours, 26 minutes, and 32 seconds in the Hawaiin wilderness, Clark appeared at the finish line, having accomplished her mission of becoming the first woman to go sub-24 hours.
The previous course record had stood for 15 years. Clark finished in fifth overall position, with the second female runner crossing the finish line two and a half hours after her. Overcome with emotion during her finish-line interview, Clark’s response to how she felt was simple: “Tired.”
Dominant Win for Katarzyna Solinska in Gran Canaria
At the Pilancones Trail, 34km race in Gran Canaria, Spain, Katarzyna Solinska of Poland kicked off her season winningly. She claimed the title in dominating fashion, finishing the 34km course with 1850m of elevation in 3:30.40, crossing the finish line in seventh place overall and as the first female. She had to wait for over 30 minutes for the second and third-place women to join her on the podium for celebrations.
Half-Marathon Debuts in Houston
At the highly anticipated Houston half-marathon, all eyes were on Joe Klecker of the OAC Global Team and Conner Mantz, who had previously announced that they would be chasing down the American half-marathon record that had stood since 2007. For Klecker, this marked his first half-marathon, previously focusing on the 5000m and 10000m distances.
Despite excellent preparation, freezing temperatures and 48km/h wind gusts didn’t work in favor of Klecker, who saw the American record slip away and into Mantz’s hands as Klecker crossed the finish line in a time of 61:06 in 18th overall position. McDonald finished just a couple of seconds ahead in his debut, in a time of 1:00.58 and 13th overall. Kioko and Flanagan finished in 21st and 22nd position, respectively. In her debut, Konieczek finished as the 27th female in a time of 1:11.38.
Alongside Klecker, Morgan McDonald (AUS) and Alicja Konieczek (POL) also celebrated their half-marathon debuts, while Ben Flanagan (CAN) and Athanas Kioko (KEN) were there looking to chase down their respective national records.
New Face and New PB in Luxembourg
At the CMCM Luxembourg Indoor Meeting, Nathalie Blomqvist of Finland celebrated her first appearance as an On athlete and the newest On Athletics Club Europe team member. In the 1500m race, paced by fellow OAC team member Cari Hughes (GBR), she came in fifth place in a time of 4:11.22. Finishing just two seconds ahead of her and in a new PB time of 4:09.80 was teammate Marta Garcia of Spain.
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 60 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.