Jessica McClain Becomes First American Woman on NYC Marathon Podium Since 2018 — image accompanying Marathon Handbook's report. Image accompanying Marathon Handbook’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Jessica McClain secured second place at the New York City Marathon, finishing in 2:24:42. This marks the first time an American woman has placed in the top three since 2018. She was six seconds behind Sheila Chepkirui, catching Hellen Obiri in the final 200 meters.
McClain led a line of four Americans at the halfway mark, reaching 1:13:52. By 35K, she was among six women still together. Chepkirui's fast 5K pace left only Obiri with her, while McClain trailed by three seconds. In the final 2.2K, McClain's time of 6:59 beat Obiri's 7:04. Read more racing coverage.
This was McClain's best marathon finish, achieved in only her fourth major race. Her previous best was at Boston in 2:20:49. Despite this, her personal best remains at Boston, where she ran 2:20:49. The next U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials are scheduled for March 25, 2028. Related: London Marathon mulls mixed-gender elite race in 2027.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Jessica McClain Becomes First American Woman on NYC Marathon Podium Since 2018?
McClain finishes second, marking the first time an American woman has placed in the top three since 2018. Jessica McClain secured second place at the New York City Marathon, finishing in 2:24:42. This marks the first time an American woman has placed in the top three since 2018. She was six seconds behind Sheila Chepkirui, catching Hellen Obiri in the final 200 meters.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on November 1, 2026. The underlying Marathon Handbook report was dated November 1, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from Marathon Handbook. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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