Episode
873. Jess McClain, Boston Marathon-Bound
- Podcast
- Ali on the Run Show
- Published
- Apr 2, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 4432
- Processing state
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Summary
"All I can do is move forward knowing that one day I'll have that moment." Jess McClain just might be the most-loved professional marathoner in the country. The Phoenix, AZ-based Brooks athlete made national headlines last month when she was leading the U.S. Half Marathon National Championships in Atlanta and was led off course by an official vehicle in the final mile of the race. That day, Jess lost out on a national title, a spot on Team USA, and a good amount of prize money. (Listen to Emma Grace Hurley's recap of the day here .) She handled the aftermath with grace, compassion, and optimism. In this conversation, Jess talks about the race, and about the moment she realized she'd been led off course and was no longer in the lead. She also talks about the just-announced resolution (she has a spot on Team USA, and will be competing at World Championships in Copenhagen later this year) and how she feels about it. Jess, who is coached by David Roche, talks about how she's feeling heading back to the Boston Marathon, where she ran a personal best (2:22:43) last year and was the top American woman in the race. Plus, reflections on egg freezing, being a pacer at The Marathon Project in December, and how Jess is feeling after this weekend's Sound Running 10K. FOLLOW JESS @jesstonn SPONSOR: New Balance. Click here to check out the brand new Ellipse, New Balance's just-released everyday trainer. (It's gorgeous!) IN THIS EPISODE: What's making Jess happy today (3:15) How Jess is feeling after running the 10K at the Sound Running meet this weekend (8:10) Jess sums up her 2026 Boston training block (16:25) How Jess handled the stress of the aftermath of the U.S. Half Marathon National Championships (21:45) How Jess feels about the resolution, and about being named to Team USA fo…