LOUISVILLE, Ky. - For all he experienced in his storied distance running career at Midway, Jacob Kocis had never been through an environment like the one he saw over the weekend.

Kocis, a former collegiate All-American who graduated with his MBA from Midway in December, was one of over 1,300 competitors to take part in the Kentucky Derby Festival Men's Marathon in Louisville last Saturday.

Having run in multiple marathons and NAIA National Championship races, Kocis quickly learned he was in a whole new atmosphere once the race began.

"You look up in the air and see a helicopter following you," he said with a laugh. "I was like, 'this is definitely new.'"

That wasn't the only new feeling Kocis would experience.

Despite winning numerous races in his time with the Eagle cross country and track and field teams, Kocis entered Saturday having gotten close but never tasting victory in a marathon setting. This included runner-up finishes at the Lucky Leprechaun Half Marathon in Versailles in 2021, and the NAIA National Championships in both 2023 and 2024.

But on Saturday, he would get himself on the winner's podium, crossing the tape in 2 hours, 23 minutes, 33.10 seconds. His time was more than four minutes faster than anyone else in the field.

Kocis came in thinking he was in good shape to earn the win, but stated that "to actually execute a whole training cycle then put together the marathon and be in that position (to win) is kind of a surreal feeling."

Kocis, a former River States Runner of the Year in both cross country and track, says he's found his true home as a marathon runner, stating that the courses and environment, while at times hectic, play to his strengths in multiple ways.

"I've always loved road races," he said. "You're running by all these people, you've got music, everyone's so encouraging. I've always loved that environment. It feels like the place I'm most comfortable."

Hoping to eventually qualify for the Olympic Trials, Kocis will take a step up in competition on Nov. 8, when he heads to Indiana for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon, eager to compete in a field that will feature multiple professional runners.

"I feel more confident and excited to race than I have in a long time," he said.