Raleigh Fire Capt. Christian Christopoulos won the City of Oaks Marathon in 2:40:25. He finished four and a half minutes ahead of the runner-up.

A Raleigh Fire Department captain won Raleigh’s hometown marathon last Sunday.

Capt. Christian Christopoulos crossed the line first in the full marathon at the City of Oaks Marathon on Nov. 1. His chip time was 2 hours, 40 minutes and 25 seconds, an average of 6:07 a mile. That is from the organizer’s official 2026 results.

The runner-up finished in 2:44:55, so Christopoulos won by four and a half minutes.

Who he is

Christopoulos has been with the Raleigh Fire Department for 12 years. The city shared his win in a post on its website Thursday.

He ran his first marathon in 2014 and has run at least 20 since, the city said. He told the city he has lost count.

“It was a little unsettling being chased by so many people,” Christopoulos said. “With about a mile to go I knew I had enough of a lead so I was able to really enjoy that last mile!”

Why he runs

He gave the city three reasons:

  • he enjoys setting a goal and working to reach it
  • he wants to set an example of discipline for his children
  • he loves trail running and running in new places

He added a fourth. His brother Nick also works for the department, and colleagues give him a hard time for not being as fit as his brother, he said.

Winning in front of family and friends was special, he said. “I’m proud to call Raleigh home and to work for the City of Raleigh so it was pretty cool to win the hometown race.”

What it means for you

  • Ran it too? Results for the full, half, 10K and 5K are on the organizer’s results page, searchable by name or bib number.
  • Thinking about next year? The organizer has not set a 2027 date yet. Our City of Oaks Marathon page carries the course, the start times and the road closures, and will carry the new date when it is announced.
  • More around town: see what is on this weekend in things to do.