St. George resident and four-time St. George Marathon winner Aaron Metler has been selected to compete in the men's professional field at the 130th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America.
Metler is one of only eight international Masters runners aged 40 and older whose times earned them entry into the race. The event, which is noted as being both the oldest and one of the most challenging marathons globally, will take place on April 20, 2026.
Metler qualified for the Boston Marathon with a finishing time of 2:19:48 at last year's St. George Marathon, where he earned the title of Overall Master's Champion. During that race, he maintained a pace of 5:20 per mile.
Metler serves as the Recreation Manager for Races and Special Events for the City of St. George Parks and Community Services Department. He described the invitation to the professional field as the highest honor imaginable, calling the Boston Marathon the Super Bowl of running.
The upcoming competition in Boston will feature world and Boston champions, Olympic and Paralympic medalists, and 25 men who have previously run under 2:07 for the marathon distance. Additionally, eight of the top 10 men's finishers from 2025 are scheduled to return.
Provo resident Michael Ottesen, who took second place overall in the 2025 St. George Marathon, will also participate in the professional field in Boston.
Metler's training involves running 100 miles on local trails weekly and following an all-organic diet that excludes sugar and processed foods.
Michelle Graves, the Assistant Director of Parks and Community Services for the City of St. George, described Metler as a hard-working athlete with exceptional mental strength and consistency.
