Futsum had a great career at North Central High School, from the high plateau of East Africa to the plains of midwest America. He was a three time IHSAA state cross country champion and runner-up as a freshman. His 2011 record time of 14:48.8 remains the IHSAA state finals record. Futsum was a three time Footlocker All-American, two times runner-up and seventh as a freshman, a Nike All-American and a Nike national champion and becoming the National Gatorade Cross Country Runner of the Year finished his high school career.
His track career was just a duplicate of his cross country career. Futsum won four IHSAA state finals 3200 meter races and set the state finals record in 2012 at 8:51.15, which remains the state finals record. He was the national freshman mile champion.
Choosing Northern Arizona University and back to the high altitude, Futsum became a four time All-American (31st, 4th, 5th and 4th) and lead the team to it first NCAA championship as a senior.
In track he was the NCAA 10000 meter runner-up and an All-American.
Turning pro in 2016, Futsum’s career became totally long distance, winning the National USATF 10 Mile Championship, the 2022 National USATF Marathon Championship running 2:11.02 in his first marathon. In 2016, he qualified for the Olympic Trials. He has become one of the top U.S. marathoners.