Dathan Ritzenhein

Dathan Ritzenhein is a retired American long-distance runner born on December 30, 1982, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Standing 173 cm and weighing 55 kg, he held the American record in the 5000 metres at 12:56.27 from 2009 to 2010.

Ritzenhein is a three-time national cross country champion, winning USA Cross Country Championships in 2005, 2008, and 2010. He was part of the remarkable high school class of 2001, which also produced distance legends Alan Webb and Ryan Hall. He ran for Nike and later the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project before retiring in May 2020.

Following retirement, Ritzenhein signed with Swiss shoe brand On and became head coach of the On Athletics Club in Boulder, Colorado. His transition from elite competitor to professional coach continues his influence on American distance running, developed through standout careers at Rockford High School and the University of Colorado.