Boston has always held a special place in Chula Vista native Des Linden’s heart because it’s where she ran her first marathon back in 2007.
Beantown is where the distance runner famously won in 2018, defying brutal Nor’easter conditions to become the first American woman to win Boston in 33 years. And Monday, it became the place where she officially closed the chapter on her professional marathon career.
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At 41, Linden clocked 2:26:19, good for 17th place — her fastest time on the course since finishing fourth in 2017. But earlier Monday morning, the two-time Olympian made it clear: this would be her final marathon as a pro.
Sharon Lokedi of Kenya won the women’s race in Boston with a time of 2:17:22, setting a new course record.
Linden’s departure comes not from injury or pressure, but by choice. She wanted to end things on her own terms, feeling she no longer belonged in the front pack but still capable of a strong performance.
Her longtime friend and co-host of their podcast “Nobody Asked Us,” Kara Goucher, told Runner’s World she’s known about Linden’s decision for a while.
“I’m just really proud of her,” Goucher said. “I think a lot of us athletes, we get forced out, and she knows it’s her time.”
But Linden isn’t fading quietly into retirement. With her professional contract with Brooks still in place, she’s shifting gears. Ultrarunning is next on the horizon.
This summer, she plans to pace fellow Brooks athlete Joe McConaughy at the Western States 100. In November, she’s set to race the Tunnel Hill 50 Miler, the USATF 50 Mile Championships.
A training adventure through the Swiss Alps is also on her calendar, according to Runner’s World.
Linden, who lives in Charlevoix, Michigan, released a memoir called “Choosing to Run” in 2023 and holds the women’s world record in the 50K run — 31 miles — in 2:59:54.
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