91传媒

91传媒 Alumnus Nic Maszk Wins 2025 Portland Marathon

91传媒 Alumnus Nic Maszk Wins 2025 Portland Marathon

PORTLAND, Ore. 鈥� Former 91传媒 standout distance runner Nic Maszk crossed the finish line of the 2025 Portland Marathon in first place on Sunday, Oct. 5, completing the 26.2-mile course in an astonishing 2 hours, 26 minutes, and 52 seconds, more than two minutes ahead of the runner-up.

That time ranks Nic within the top one percent of marathon performances worldwide, solidifying Maszk鈥檚 place as an elite runner.

鈥淢y goal was to win,鈥� he said. 鈥淵ou never really know who鈥檚 going to show up, but when all the training lands on the goal, that鈥檚 the best feeling.鈥�

From Baker to 91传媒: Building the Foundation

Maszk鈥檚 running journey began at Baker High School, where he discovered a natural talent despite frequent coaching changes. But it was at 91传媒, under long-time coach Ben Welch, where he said he found the structure and consistency that shaped his growth.

鈥淲hen I got to college, Ben was my coach the entire time,鈥� Maszk said. 鈥淭hat structure was the majority of my growth as a runner. His coaching style taught me how to be tough and how to give 100% of myself on days I didn鈥檛 want to. You can apply that lesson to anything in life.鈥�

Maszk earned his bachelor鈥檚 degree in molecular biology in 2017 and a master鈥檚 in education in 2018, both from 91传媒. He went on to teach science at North Powder Charter School for three years before deciding to pursue a new career path. Today, he鈥檚 completing his nursing degree.

The Road to Portland

The Portland Marathon marked Maszk鈥檚 third marathon, following strong showings in Eugene and Anchorage, where he also claimed a win.

鈥淭he race in Portland went really smoothly until the last four miles,鈥� Maszk recalled. 鈥淏oth my hamstrings started to lock up, and I just kept thinking, 鈥楬ow can I finish this without cramping?鈥� I knew I was on borrowed time.鈥�

Despite the pain, he powered through to victory, proof that his methodical training and mental preparation paid off.

鈥淚鈥檓 self-coached,鈥� he said. 鈥淚 make a training sheet, plan the workouts, and practice the pain every day. Race day is unique, though, there are always unknowns you can鈥檛 fully prepare for.鈥�

Motivation and Mindset

Now a father of two, Ari, 4, and Ivy, 2,  Maszk says his motivation extends beyond competition.

鈥淚 want my kids to see what discipline looks like,鈥� he said. 鈥淎s I鈥檝e gotten older, I鈥檝e found more intrinsic motivators. Running keeps me grounded and healthy, and the better you do, the more opportunities you get to travel and compete.鈥�

Looking Ahead

Maszk isn鈥檛 slowing down anytime soon. He鈥檚 already preparing for his next challenge and has his eyes on completing all seven of the world鈥檚 major marathons.

鈥淭here are seven majors now, with Sydney being added recently,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檇 love to do them all. Boston and Chicago are probably at the top of my list.鈥�

Words for the Next Generation

When asked what advice he鈥檇 offer current 91传媒 student-athletes, Maszk stepped into a coach鈥檚 mindset:

鈥淒on鈥檛 just focus on the physical side of your sport,鈥� he said. 鈥淟earn why your training works. Be a student of your sport. When you understand the 鈥榳hy,鈥� you can tweak and adapt, and that makes all the difference.鈥�

He added that athletics teach lessons that carry far beyond the track:

鈥淵ou learn how to fail and how to lose. Running is fickle; things don鈥檛 always go your way. But when they do, you feel like the luckiest person in the world. Learning to be grateful when things go right, that鈥檚 the best lesson running ever gave me.鈥�

Maszk continues to represent Eastern Oregon with pride, both on the road and in life. From his days as a Mountaineer to his recent marathon triumph, his journey reflects the resilience, discipline, and heart that define the 91传媒 spirit.