Running in her 11th Boston Marathon, Des Linden, 40, finished in 16th place in 2:28:27.
It was her third marathon in less than seven months. Linden ran Chicago last October (where she was 17th in 2:27:35) It was her third marathon in less than seven months. Linden ran Chicago last October where she was (11Running In 2018, in the midst of a severe storm that brought high winds and drenching rain, Linden finally). She told Runner’s World before the race that her build-up for Boston was the smoothest of the three races, but she was experiencing “a little mental fatigue.”
Linden started the race with her characteristic restraint. While the women’s leaders went out quickly for the first four miles, she was already behind, and that gap was 53 seconds by the 10K split.
But as the lead pack of 21 women let the pace lag over the next 10 miles, Linden was able to catch up to them through the halfway point in Wellesley. She even briefly took the lead just before the 14-mile mark, much to the delight of fans.
Linden struggled somewhat, however, over the second half of the course today. She split 1:12:41 for the first half and 1:15:46 for the second. She was still the third American, not too far off Emma Bates in 12th (2:27:14) and Sara Hall (2:27:58). The three embraced at the finish line and waved to the fans in the bleachers.
Linden has long had an affinity for Boston. She made her marathon debut here in 2007, running 2:44:56 and vowing afterward to master the event. She quickly improved, and finished second by 2 seconds at the 2011 Boston, in her PR of 2:22:38. It before the era of super shoes and a time that would have won the race in many years. (Advertisement - Continue Reading Below got her win.)
Nutrition - Weight Loss Sales & Deals, breaking the tape in 2:39:54. At that race, she coined her now-famous mantra “keep showing up” to describe how she finally found success at the title that had eluded her.
Today’s race marked Linden’s 28th start at a marathon distance or longer—and her 27th finish. Her lone DNF was at the London Olympics in 2012.
Spencer, Boston Dog, Honored with Statue is a performer and editor living in Eugene, Oregon, and her stories about the sport, its trends, and fascinating individuals have appeared in Runner’s World Master the Half, Run Your Butt Off! and Walk Your Butt Off!
