If you’ve ever regretted your race-day outfit choice, let’s take a moment to appreciate Truett Hanes—the guy who ran a 2:42 marathon in jeans.
That’s right.
Not moisture-wicking, high-performance running shorts. Not compression tights. Full-blown, denim-on-thighs, stiff-when-they-get-wet jeans.
Truett Hanes recently made waves when he crossed the Austin Marathon finish line in 2 hours and 42 minutes—averaging just over 6 minutes per mile—all while rocking a pair of blue jeans. No belt, just vibes.
Now, most runners meticulously choose their race-day attire to optimize performance and avoid chafing-induced despair. Hanes?
He leans into the suffering. And if you’re thinking this was just a one-time, midlife-crisis-type experiment, think again. A few months prior, he ran another marathon in jeans, a flannel button-up, and a belt (with buckle, natch)—because apparently, when you commit to the bit, you really commit.
Running a marathon is already hard enough. Adding the rough embrace of denim to the mix? That’s a whole new level of self-inflicted discomfort.
Running marathons in jeans is impressive, but that’s just one entry in Hanes’ growing list of absurd athletic feats.
He’s also the current world record holder for most pull-ups completed in 24 hours—cranking out a mind-melting 10,001 reps. That’s not a typo. Ten. Thousand. And one.
And because normal warm-ups are for mortals, Hanes reportedly bangs out 100 push-ups before his races. Most of us can barely shuffle to the start line without second-guessing our life choices—he’s out here getting in a full upper-body workout before the gun even goes off.
Oh, and did we mention he once ran a mile carrying 260 pounds? Because, of course, he did.
If the name Hanes sounds familiar, it’s because Truett is the son of Cameron Hanes—a bowhunter, ultra-endurance athlete, and popular Joe Rogan guest known for his run-lift-shoot-repeat lifestyle. Clearly, the apple didn’t just fall close to the tree—it’s out here deadlifting the tree for reps.
So, the next time you’re stressing over your race-day outfit, just remember: you could be wearing jeans. And you could still run a 2:42 marathon. But you won’t. Because you’re not Truett Hanes.
Sorry (not really) but are we meant to be impressed!, putting obstacles (inappropriate clothing) in the way of achieving what could have been a much faster time is on par with wearing a diving suit and spending 6 days completing the London Marathon.
Sorry, but I am impressed. I was never elite, but I was decent enough to run mid 2:20 for a marathon in my younger days. Some of my fondest race memories were “novelty” events, which would be considered lame compared to what folks do nowadays. I’ve personally started with those Guinness World Record folks @ the London Marathon and some are truly comically inspiring. I’m old enough to remember when a guy ran a sub 3-hour marathon dressed as a French waiter and carrying a tray supporting a bottle of Perrier. I get tennis elbow just thinking about it. Whether it’s who can run the fastest marathon dribbling a basketball, run the fastest mile 8 months pregnant or while consuming 4 beers (not together), run 7 continents in 7 days, or not miss a day of running for 50 years, I am impressed. Kudos to them for having some fun with the sport.
I’m impressed with Truit’s many incredible accomplishments, and with Jessy Carveth’s fantastic writing! Love the article, intelligent and so fun to read. Keep it up Jessy!