Des Linden, a celebrated name in marathon running, is set to make her 29th marathon and 12th Boston Marathon her swansong. At 41, Linden is ready to bid adieu to the 26.2-mile races of her professional career.
Linden stepped onto the marathon scene in Boston back in 2007, beginning a storied relationship with the iconic race. A year later, she was running her first of five Olympic Trials marathons, also on Boston's renowned course. In a memorable 2018 race, she braved unforgiving weather to become the first American woman to win Boston since 1985.
"I made my debut at 26.2 on your roads in 2007 and fell in love - with the distance and with the Boston Marathon," Linden reflected via social media. "Four years later, we were in it together as you lifted me up through the Newton Hills. The victory in 2018 wasn’t just mine. It was ours."
Linden's words resonate with gratitude and pride, acknowledging the shared camaraderie between herself and the Boston course. "People say you should go out on top, and that’s what I’m doing - because getting to race my final professional marathon in Boston is indeed going out on top. I’m ready to leave it all out on the course one last time. See you on Boylston."
Linden's marathon journey includes participation in the Olympic marathons of 2012, where she was forced to leave the race due to a stress fracture, and 2016, where she finished an impressive seventh. Her Boston victory remains a significant achievement as she stands as the last American, male or female, to win in the World Marathon Majors.
As the Boston Marathon community prepares for yet another storied chapter, Linden's presence is sure to make it a day to remember. #BostonMarathon
