What’s next for Jim Walmsley?

Over the last month’s build-up to the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta, Jim Walmsley has captivated the running community, and his foray into road running has even garnered attention in the mainstream media. Walmsley ran a 2:15:05 in Atlanta, and although it wasn’t enough to book him a spot on the U.S. Olympic team, his season is far from lost.

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Everyone who toed the line at the trials of course had dreams of qualifying for the Olympics, but the reality is that there were only six spots up for grabs—three for men and three for women—and hundreds of runners. This was Walmsley’s debut marathon, and he had a great showing. He managed to stay with the lead pack for half of the race, but ultimately couldn’t fell off the pace and finished 22nd. 

RELATED: Jim Walmsley runs 2:15:05 marathon debut at U.S. Olympic Trials

Many of the favourites in Atlanta might have had one goal for the year—qualifying for Tokyo 2020—but missing out on the Olympics isn’t the end of the world for Walmsley, who will race the Comrades Marathon in South Africa on June 14.  

Comrades is an ultramarathon between the South African cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. The race’s direction changes each year, alternating between “up” and “down” runs. On “up” years, the distance is 87K and the course is uphill, with about 2,000 metres of elevation gain. On “down” years its 90K, but mostly downhill. This year’s race is a down run, meaning the race starts inland in Pietermaritzburg and heads to Durban, on the country’s east coast.

This will be Walmsley’s first crack at the Comrades Marathon. If Walmsley can win in South Africa, he would become just the second American man to win the race. The first American man to win the race was Alberto Salazar in 1994, who also happens to be the former coach of Galen Rupp, against whom Walmsley just lined up at the marathon trials.

A good performance at the Comrades Marathon would also add to Walmsley’s already stellar ultramarathon resume, which includes two Western States 100 wins (2018 and 2019) and the 50-mile world record (4:50:08).

RELATED: Neff finishes Comrades Marathon strong, stroller-free

It’s been fun following Walmsley as he worked towards the Olympic Trials, but he’ll likely feel more at home in South Africa when he gets back to his preferred ultra distances.