Molly Huddle, the American record holder at 10,000 meters and the half marathon, ran a personal best of 2:26:44 to place fourth overall at today’s New York City Marathon.
Through 14 miles, Huddle stayed with a tight lead pack on a sunny day through the five boroughs of New York. She hit the half marathon mark in 1:15:50, just seconds off the lead, but by the time Huddle came off the Queensboro Bridge past mile 15 it became a race with her and Shalane Flanagan for the top America spot. While last year’s winner pulled away around the 19-mile mark, Huddle held strong and made up ground in Central Park to move into a top-five position.
Huddle, 34, made her marathon debut in New York two years ago, when she placed third in 2:28:13. She was in great shape for her second marathon, Boston in April of this year, but suffered hypothermia in race day’s cold, wet conditions and finished 16th.
She said before today’s race that she’s still learning whether she can be as successful in the marathon as she has been at shorter distances, where her career includes two Olympic berths and 27 national titles.
Her fourth-place finish earned her $25,000. Plus, she earned $15,000 for being the second American and another $10,000 for going sub-2:27.
NYC Marathon Gear
Brian has spent more than a decade focused on creating compelling news, health, and fitness content—with a particular interest on enthusiast activities like running and cycling. He’s coordinated coverage of major events like the Paris Olympics, Boston Marathon, New York City Marathon, and Tour de France, with an eye toward both the professional race and the engaging stories readers love.
