Des Linden Retires from Marathons, Eyes Ultra-Distance Challenges

At the pinnacle of marathon running, Des Linden’s career is decorated with accolades, including a Boston Marathon victory and two Olympic appearances. However, the running community was taken by surprise when the 41-year-old announced her departure from professional marathon racing earlier this year, just ahead of the latest Boston Marathon.

Though she steps away from marathoning, Linden is not straying far from the sport. She recently spoke with The Show about this transition and how it’s been on her mind for quite some time.

Reflecting on a Stellar Career

DES LINDEN: “It’s definitely something that’s kind of been on my mind for a while. Like, how long can you stay at a professional career in sports and at a high level, and feel like you’re giving it everything and not really taking it for granted.”

In conversation with Sam Dingman, Linden shared how the predictability of marathons had begun to diminish her enthusiasm. “That’s very accurate,” she admitted. “Just the last few years, it’s felt like I’ve been going through the motions.”

A Journey Born Out of Curiosity

Linden’s initial draw to marathoning was driven by “pure envy.” She recounted how watching fellow runners transform into marathoners left her wanting to experience the same challenge. “Yeah, it seemed like a thinking person’s sport,” she noted.

The Art of Strategy in Marathoning

Emphasizing the strategic aspect of marathoning, Linden explained, “You have to look at the whole 26.2 miles and be very calculated in how you’re going to use your energy.” She provided insights into her approach to the Boston Marathon course, detailing the balance between managing early downhill momentum and conserving energy for the final challenging miles.

Exploring New Frontiers

As she retires from professional marathoning, Linden looks toward longer distances to fill the competitive void. “I’ve retired from professional marathoning in order to leave the door open for some longer races, ultras,” she said, hinting at a 50-miler on her radar.

Looking ahead, Linden remains open to the unknown challenges that ultra-marathons present, despite her initial reservations. “I think it’s again, going into that unknown…That’s the fun stuff about racing, and it’s what was missing with the marathon at this point in my career,” she reflected.

While the marathon distance once seemed daunting, Linden’s curiosity for what lies beyond continues to fuel her passion for running. As she considers stepping into ultra-marathons, like the Cocodona race in Arizona, she acknowledges the gradual steps required, from shorter ultra distances to potentially a 250-mile challenge.