U.S. Runner Jess McClain Makes History With Boston Marathon Time
U.S. women's distance runner Jess McClain made history at the Boston Marathon on Monday afternoon.
Monday, April 20 was Patriots' Day in Boston. The iconic Boston Marathon was held in the morning while the Red Sox hosted a day game at Fenway Park.
McClain, 34, made history. She recorded the fastest time by an American woman in the history of the event. McClain finished in fifth place overall, with her time of 2:20:49 being the fastest ever by an American woman.
"I'm just so honored and privileged to be here on Patriots Day," McClain told WCVB after her finish.
She shaved two whole minutes off her time from 2025.
"I'm just so proud and so happy," McClain said.
Congratulations are pouring in for the U.S. marathon runner
"GO JESS🙌🙌🙌🙌," one wrote.
"Love this so much 😍🔥🙌," one added.
"I'm so so proud of you!!!" another shared.
"You are so awesome Jessica 👏," one added.
In total, four American women finished in the Top 10 on Monday:
- Jess McClain, 2:20:49
- Annie Frisbie, 2:22:00
- Emily Sisson, 2:22:39
- Carrie Ellwood, 2:22:53
We could be seeing McClain compete at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles in two years.
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This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 3:35 PM.