Hall of Fame
Nathan Martin stands among the most accomplished distance runners in Spring Arbor University and NAIA history, building a career defined by national success, record-breaking performances, and sustained excellence beyond college. A three-time NAIA national champion, Martin captured titles in the Indoor 5,000 meters, Outdoor 10,000 meters, and the Marathon, while earning multiple All-American honors across cross country, indoor, and outdoor track. At the 2013 NAIA Outdoor National Championships, he was named the Men's Outstanding Performer after breaking the NAIA Marathon record, a mark that still stands. He also holds multiple school records, cementing his place among the elite competitors in collegiate distance running.
Since graduating, Martin has continued to excel at the highest levels of the sport. He became the fastest U.S.-born Black marathoner in history and placed seventh at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials Marathon, competing against the nation's best professionals. His post-collegiate success reflects the same determination and discipline that defined his time at SAU, and he now sets his sights on earning a place on the U.S. Olympic Team. Nathan's career represents a rare blend of collegiate dominance and professional achievement, leaving a lasting legacy at Spring Arbor and within American distance running.
