Just a day after his birthday, 10-year-old Linden Meza ran the full 26.2 miles of the Blue Nose Marathon in Halifax, Nova Scotia alongside his father, Carlos Meza, becoming the youngest marathon finisher of 2025.
Why it matters
Linden’s feat has reignited a long-standing debate in the running world: should children be allowed to participate in endurance events like marathons?
While his accomplishment has been praised by local news media for its dedication and charitable cause, others have raised concerns over the physical and psychological implications of such efforts on young athletes.
What’s happening
- Linden trained for 18 months, progressing from local youth races to a half-marathon.
- Two weeks prior to the Blue Nose Marathon, he completed the distance unofficially on the BLT Trail to ensure he finished before turning 10.
- His official race also served as a fundraiser for cancer research, honoring one grandfather who died from the disease and another currently in treatment.
- CTV News reported that his training included recovery protocols, professional supervision, and family support.
The big picture
The Blue Nose Marathon offers youth races but does not set a minimum age for the full marathon. This contrasts with international majors like Boston and New York City, which set age minimums of 16–18.
- As of late May, no official statement had been released by Blue Nose organizers regarding Linden’s participation or potential exceptions in the registration process.
What the research says
The science around child marathon participation remains inconclusive:
- The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises caution for children in high-mileage events, recommending age-appropriate training guided by medical professionals.
- Potential risks include:
- Overuse injuries to joints and growth plates
- Delayed growth/puberty
- Mental burnout or pressure from adults
Parental oversight
Carlos Meza’s credentials and the family’s approach add nuance to the story:
- Carlos, a coach with 15+ years of experience, structured Linden’s training.
- The family monitored health signs, employed recovery strategies, and included professional guidance from a chiropractor and local experts.
Public response
Online opinions are divided:
- Supporters admire Linden’s discipline and charitable motivation.
- Critics worry about precedent, policy gaps, and parental judgment.
- Past cases — including a 6-year-old in the 2022 Flying Pig Marathon and a controversial marathon finish in China in 2024 — add fuel to the conversation.
Between the lines
There’s no global standard for youth marathon participation. Most policies rely on individual race organizers, parental discretion, and the absence of governing body regulations for kids’ endurance running.
Linden’s case exposes that gap — and raises tough questions about where encouragement ends and overreach begins.
Oakland Marathon 2025 had an 8 year-old finisher at a 3:30 pace.