Carrying forward his parents’ legacy, Joe Klecker has truly made his mark. After a challenging 2024 season plagued by injuries, including adductor and abdominal strains, Klecker shifted his sights to road racing in 2025. Teaming up with coach Dathan Ritzenhein, he kicked off the year with a half-marathon in Houston that left him hungry for more. “My half-marathon in Houston definitely left me craving more,” Klecker admitted ahead of the US Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta this February.

And now, he is gearing up for his full marathon debut. Taking to his Instagram, the Olympian revealed that he will be stepping onto one of the world’s most iconic courses: The TCS New York City Marathon. “Proud to announce that I’ll be making my professional marathon debut at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon. I can not wait to test myself against a world-class field through the five boroughs, which make up the greatest city in the world. 75 days to go—see you in New York.”

He is the son of Janis, who was the 1992 U.S. Olympic Marathon trials champion, and his father is none other than Barney, who held the 50-mile world record and actually ran 2:29:32 at the 1978 New York City Marathon. And now, he aims to continue this legacy.

This is a pivotal transition in Klecker’s career, moving from track to road racing. He made his half-marathon debut on January 19 at the Aramco Houston Half Marathon, finishing 18th with a time of 1:01:06. Reflecting on the experience, he realized that, alongside pacing, building endurance would be key. Returning to the roads on March 2 at the USATF Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta, Klecker placed 8th in 1:01:34, narrowly missing a spot on Team USA for the World Road Running Championships.

With his background as a U.S. Olympian and national champion in the 10,000 meters, Klecker’s transition to the marathon distance is highly anticipated by fans and analysts alike.

Now, let’s have a look at the other American debutants this year.

Besides Joe Klecker, who are the other American athletes to make their marathon debut

Apart from Klecker, the fastest American half-marathoner, Hillary Bor is also set to debut at the full marathon. Being a two-time U.S. Olympian in the steeplechase and five-time World Championship competitor, Bor clocked an astonishing 59:55 at the New York City Half in March, joining an elite group of just five American men to break the 60-minute barrier.

In addition to that, another high-profile debut name is Charles Hicks. For those who don’t know, Hicks recently completed his switch in allegiance from Great Britain to the U.S. and has spent the last two years training in Eugene, Oregon. The 24-year-old ultramarathoner clocked a 45:14 victory at the U.S. 10-Mile Championships, narrowly edging out Alex Maier’s 45:15

With such names making their debut at the TCS New York City Marathon, it will be interesting to see whose debut stands out the most. Who do you think it will be?