After a major marathon, you hear about two different podiums. There’s the actual podium, made up of the top three finishers, and then another, unofficial one of the fastest Americans. That’s because, though there’s some incredible talent in the U.S., oftentimes, it’s simply not enough to beat out international runners, including on our own courses.
In the New York City Marathon women’s race, for example, an American hasn’t been in the top three for eight years. (In the men’s race, it’s been since 2009.) That streak ended this Sunday when Brooks athlete Jessica McClain crossed the finish line in 2:24:42, coming in at second place. Even more exciting: She was poised to get third but overtook last year’s winner Hellen Obiri in the final meters. She did it looking effortless, with a pair of Goodr sunglasses in her hand and a huge smile on her face.
Even before the race cannon went off that morning, her momentum had been building. In the spring, McClain placed fifth in the Boston Marathon at 2:20:49 and set an American course record. Going into New York, she initially wanted to be in the top five again.
So, it was settled: She was shooting for third or higher. After a performance like she had in New York, you can expect that’s always going to be the goal now for the 34-year-old. I want to practice competing for those top three spots no matter the race.” Heading into NYC, McClain was feeling relaxed.
The race started out hard, she remembers, so she just focused on getting her fuel in at each aid station and taking the run mile by mile. Then, once she got to Manhattan, the pack started to run faster, her gels started to kick in, and she started to feel better. Still, it wasn’t until the last 10K when the running started to feel really good.
McClain was strategic until the end—running the tangents and taking the shortest turns possible to close the gap between Obiri and first-place finisher Sheila Chepkirui, who she noticed were making their turns a little wider and slower. Even down to the last stretch turning into Central Park, second wasn’t exactly on McClain’s mind. She was just thrilled to take third.
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