24 Photos That Capture the Heartbreak and Triumph of the Olympic Marathon Trials
How did it feel for the athletes? These Runner’s World photographers were there to get the story.
The Olympic Marathon Trials are one day, one race, one chance for runners to make it to the Games. Top three? You’re in, and you’re forever an Olympian. Fourth or beyond? No dice.
With so much riding on a single race, the focus, tension, and relief were all over the competitors’ faces. These photos from the Trials on February 29 in Atlanta told the story of the Trials and tribulations.
Atlanta’s Hills Appear Early and Often
Men’s racers head uphill as a pack, just after the start.
A Wide Swath of Runners
Eventual third-place finisher Abdi Abdirahman (right, wearing cap) gets off well.
A Huge Women’s Pack
After 511 women qualified for the Trials, 444 started the race, according to USATF.
The Women Stick Together Early
Laura Thweatt leads the way, and fans applaud the effort.
Encouragement From a Fan
Crystal Harriss, en route to a 2:47 finish, stops for a hug.
Mom-to-Be Just Wanted to Be Here
Rachel Hyland runs the first 13 miles with her passenger, a boy due in June.
Unexpected Early Leader
Galen Rupp overtakes Brian Shrader, who led the race from mile 4 to mile 16. Shrader ended up dropping out soon after he gave up the lead.
Jordan Hasay Starts to Lose Contact
Hasay, handling back pain, sticks with the lead pack until mile 12. She held on to finish 26th in 2:37:57.
Taking Turns Pushing Into the Wind
Laura Thweatt keeps the pace honest before finishing fifth; prerace favorite Sara Hall struggles before dropping out at 19.
Galen Rupp Takes Control
By the 21-mile mark, Rupp has a 16-second lead over the nearest pursuer.
And Then There Were Two
Aliphine Tuliamuk (left) and Molly Seidel attack the final hills side by side.
Trying to Close the Gap
Kellyn Taylor, Des Linden, and Laura Thweatt try to catch Sally Kipyego, ahead in third.
Rupp Back on Top
After 18 months of injuries, Rupp wins his second-straight Olympic Marathon Trials.
An Underdog Breaks Through
Jacob Riley crosses in second and tells reporters, “You’re seeing somebody live the happiest moment of their entire life.” Just behind him, Leonard Korir, who finished fourth by three seconds, is feeling the opposite.
Five Olympic Teams
Abdirahman, who is 43, celebrates his historic achievement.
Tuliamuk Breaks the Tape
Tuliamuk makes her first Olympic team and earns $80,000 for the win. Seidel is second, just 7 seconds behind.
Hanging on for Third
Kipyego holds off Linden and Thweatt to qualify for the Olympics.
Fourth Place Can Be Heartbreaking
Des Linden had hoped to become the first American woman to make three Olympic teams in the marathon. She crosses the line 11 seconds short of her goal.
Nike Teammates Stick Together
Rupp consoles Hasay after she struggles to a 26th-place finish. The two were Nike Oregon Project teammates and both trained under Alberto Salazar until his September ban for anti-doping violations.
The Doc Runs a Huge PR
Martin Hehir, who is currently in medical school, finishes sixth in 2:11:29, more than 2 minutes faster than his qualifying time.
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