Elite performances were displayed as top Southeast runners left it all on the course
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. – The 29th annual Myrtle Beach Marathon hosted over 5,000 participants across its marathon and half marathon. This year’s event hosted the first Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational, a new and exclusive competition that welcomed the fastest marathoners in the Southeast. 25 athletes joined the inaugural field and represented eight states, with the top five finishers from each division taking home a portion of the $17,500 prize purse. Vladimir Zander-Velloso, who represented the state of Georgia, crossed the breaktape first and took home the $4,000 prize. His finish made history as he ran the second-fastest marathon time in the state of South Carolina, behind Benji Durden’s record that was set at the Governors Cup in 1977.
Zander-Velloso, the men’s marathon champion, overall first-place finisher and winner of the first-ever Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational, completed the 26.2 miles in 2:20:05, followed by the men’s marathon second-place finisher, Garang Madut, who represented the state of Tennessee. Drew Marshall, a North Carolina representative, took the third-place spot. In addition, Cole Atkins ran the fastest masters (age 40+) marathon time by a South Carolina resident, taking sixth place in 2:30:25. His wife, Esther Atkins, also participated in the elite field.
The women’s marathon course was led by Cassidy Heaton of North Carolina, a fan-favorite, who finished with a time of 2:44:22. She also took home the top prize of $4,000. Second and third-place finishers for the women’s division were Savannah Peppenhorst of Georgia and two-time defending champion Natalie Daniels of Virginia.
The men’s and women’s half marathon division was led by Joshawa Huneycutt, who finished with a time of 1:10:46, and Samantha Young in 1:26:28. Rounding out the podium for the half marathon were the men’s second and third place finishers, William Whelan and Ethan Nordman, as well as Sydney Kelleher and Lucy Ratterree for the women’s division.
“The Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational was created to showcase the incredible athleticism thriving right here in the Southeast — and this weekend delivered beyond our expectations,” said Charlie Mercer, CEO of Capstone Event Group, producer of the Myrtle Beach Marathon. “The historic moments we witnessed were unforgettable, not just for the elite athletes in our inaugural field, but for every spectator and participant who got to be part of something special. This course is built for PRs and record-breaking, and we can’t wait to see what future years have in store.”
After crossing the finish line, runners celebrated their accomplishments at the finisher festival located at the Myrtle Beach Pelicans Ballpark. The festival featured food, drinks and live music for participants, spectators and locals to enjoy.
For more information about the Myrtle Beach Marathon, visit www.mbmarathon.com and follow the event on Facebook and Instagram.
ABOUT MYRTLE BEACH MARATHON
The Myrtle Beach Marathon is an East Coast destination event that has been delighting runners for nearly 30 years with the perfect blend of performance opportunity and beach vacation experience that only Myrtle Beach can provide. From the iconic SkyWheel and Myrtle Beach Boardwalk along the course to Broadway at the Beach entertainment complex and championship golf courses, the Grand Strand offers an unmatched concentration of attractions that make it America’s premier beach playground. Beginning in 2026, the introduction of the Myrtle Beach Marathon Elite Invitational with a $17,500 prize purse elevates the event to championship-caliber competition, attracting current pros, aspiring athletes and potential future Olympians to compete alongside recreational runners.