Runner Chases Marathon Record in Cap and Gown for Boys Town

Jake Albanez already owns one world record, and this Sunday he's going for another while wearing the most unlikely running outfit imaginable.

The 41-year-old from Papillion will run the entire Lincoln Marathon dressed in a graduation cap and gown. He's chasing the world record for fastest marathon in graduation attire, currently held by UK runner Graham Tapp at 3 hours, 31 minutes, and 11 seconds.

But this isn't just about personal glory. Albanez works as a digital strategist at Boys Town, the Omaha nonprofit that supports at-risk youth, and he's running to honor their graduating seniors.

"I got interviews and earned an opportunity to work there, and I hope I work here to the end of my days," Albanez said. Every step of his training has been dedicated to the Boys Town students who are preparing to graduate and take on a new level of independence.

The parallel isn't lost on him. Marathon preparation brings challenging and unpredictable curves that require sacrifice and dedication. It can be messy, and things don't always go his way.

"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."

Why This Inspires

Albanez has been raising money for Boys Town throughout his training journey. Some of the youth he works with every day might be at the finish line Sunday, cheering him on as he attempts to shatter the record.

The logistics of running 26.2 miles in formal attire are no joke. During his 2023 half-marathon record attempt, Albanez learned that shiny gowns are lighter and easier to run in than matte ones, and compression sleeves prevent chafing under the billowing fabric.

He's confident about breaking Tapp's time despite unpredictable factors like May weather and heat buildup from all that extra gear. The preparation is done, and his mindset is locked in.

This will be Albanez's fourth marathon and his first chasing a world record at the full distance. He'll be easy to spot on the course, running in a blue cap and gown to match Boys Town's colors.

Win or lose, the real victory is already happening: showing young people facing tough transitions that someone believes in them enough to run 26.2 miles in their honor.