Nebraska Runner Chases Marathon Record for Boys Town Kids

A 41-year-old Nebraska man will run 26.2 miles in a graduation cap and gown this Sunday, and he's doing it for the kids who remind him what resilience really means.

Jake Albanez already holds one Guinness World Record for running a half marathon in graduation attire. Now he's chasing the full marathon record at Lincoln's race, dressed in royal blue to honor the graduating seniors at Boys Town, where he works as a digital strategist.

The current record stands at 3 hours, 31 minutes and 11 seconds, set by UK runner Graham Tapp in 2018. Albanez feels confident he can beat it, despite the challenges of running in formal wear.

He's spent months solving problems most marathoners never face. A shiny gown proved lighter and easier to run in than a matte one. Compression sleeves wick sweat from his arms. A special headband system keeps the cap secure and pulls moisture away from his face.

"I've got a nice headband, sweatband system that I have affixed to the inside of the cap," Albanez said. "It creates a fitted fit, and it also helps wick sweat off my head."

Working at the Omaha nonprofit for three years has been a dream come true, he said. Every training run has been for the Boys Town seniors preparing to graduate and embrace new independence.

Why This Inspires

The marathon preparation process mirrors what the youth at Boys Town face daily: challenging curves, unpredictable setbacks, and the need for sacrifice and dedication. Albanez sees himself in their journey.

"It really mirrors, in a light way, a lot of what they go through," he said. "I really just try to give them some hope and let them know people are thinking about them and rooting for them as they go and embark on their next endeavor."

He's raising funds for Boys Town through the race at a dedicated donation page. Some of those students may be waiting at the finish line to cheer him on.

Beyond this year's graduates, Albanez wants to honor the legacy of Rev. Edward J. Flanagan, who founded Boys Town and is currently making progress toward sainthood. Pope Leo XIII recently declared Flanagan venerable, the next step requiring approval of two miracles.

Albanez said he's always been inspired by Flanagan's passion for helping kids find their way. Now he gets to live that mission every day while literally going the extra mile.

If he breaks the record Sunday, verification won't be simple. Rather than submit hours of uncut video, Albanez will have someone photograph him in his blue graduation gear at the start line, finish line, and every mile marker throughout the marathon.

May weather in Nebraska brings its own wild card: heat. But after months of preparation, Albanez has controlled everything he can control.

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