Zachary Ornelas
Men's Marathon
Qualifying Time: 2:16:05
Qualifying Race: 2022 California International Marathon
Date of Birth
07/15/91
Age on Race Day
32
Current Residence
Ann Arbor, MI
Hometown
Las Vegas, NM
High School
Cedar Park Vista Ridge
Current Affiliation
Tracksmith ASP
Profession
English Teacher at Saline High School
Marathon PB
2:16:05
First Trials qualification
No
Previous Trials
2020
Number of attempts to qualify
3
College(s)
University of Michigan
Career Highlights
3-time Top 3 finisher (2023, 2017, 2016 Boston Marathon; 31st at 2016 TCS New York City Marathon. 2-time USATF 50K National Champion; USATF 50 Mile Road National Champion; 3-time USATF Mountain Ultra Trail Team member; team captain for men's cross country and track at Michigan
Family
My wife, Megan, and I have been married since 2017. We have two children, Miles and Anthony, who are 2.5 years and 8 months old! My father, Andrew, served in the U.S. Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Greatest Accomplishment
Being a husband to my wife and a father to my amazing children.
Interesting Story
After finishing toward the back of the 2020 Trials, I wasn't sure I'd have this opportunity again. Since 2020 we have had two children, and I have taken on way more responsibilities in my teaching career as I am now coach of cross country/track, high school Ethics Bowl and am the head advisor for the National Honor Society. Life is busier than it ever has been for me, with many of my runs in the cold dark morning hours, but I'm running more than I have since college and am faster and stronger at 32 than I was at 22.
Favorite Book
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Favorite Movie
Happy Gilmore
Favorite TV Show/Series
Midnight Mass
Favorite Song
Shook Ones, Pt. II
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Double NE IPA
Favorite Breakfast
Cookie Dough Oatmeal
Favorite Motivational Quote
"One must imagine Sisyphus happy."- Albert Camus
Favorite Running Memory
Crossing the finish line of the 2022 California International Marathon, I burst into tears. I thought about my wife, my son and my soon-to-be-born second child the entire run and did it for them. My family has made many sacrifices for me to keep training and I wanted to honor them in my performance.
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