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2:36 in Jeans: Truett Hanes Turns a Marathon Into a Statement

February 19, 2026
By
Anna F.

Truett Hanes didn’t just run the Austin Marathon fast he ran 2:36:56 in blue jeans, turning a head-turning spectacle into a purpose-driven project that’s already raised $40,000 and points toward an even bigger goal: Olympic Trials qualifying pace.

​At the Austin Marathon on Sunday, one runner stood out long before the finish line clock came into view. Shirtless. Ball cap. American flag bandana.

Wired earbuds tucked in. Blue jeans. And moving at six-minute pace.

​That runner was Truett Hanes, and the outfit was not a gimmick. It is part of the project.

Truett Hanes on the right (Credit: Scott Flathouse)

​Hanes covered the hilly Austin course in 2:36:56, averaging exactly 6:00 per mile.

​He finished 12th overall and fourth in the non-elite field, in denim. The result builds on a series of high-profile performances: 2:42:50 in Austin last year, 2:38:29 at Boston, and 2:34:45 in Eugene, all in jeans.

​Beyond the marathon, he has set a Guinness World Record with 10,001 pull-ups in 24 hours and completed the 2025 Leadville 100 Miler in under 24 hours, again wearing his signature pants.

Truett Hanes (Credit: Scott Flathouse)

​Hanes is sponsored by The Perfect Jean, which directs a portion of sales to the Miracle Foundation, supporting vulnerable children. The collaboration has raised $40,000 so far.

​The spectacle, however, sits alongside a measurable target. Hanes’ marathon personal best is 2:29:49. To qualify for the 2028 US Olympic Marathon Trials, which he is aiming for, he will need to run 2:16:00.

Can you imagine him running at the Olympics in blue jeans?

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