After 31-year-old Emily Sisson crossed the Chicago Marathon finish line, she became the fastest woman to complete an American marathon with an astonishing time of 2:18:29.
Sisson, a native of Wisconsin, beat the previous record held by Keira D’Amato. D’Amato initially set the record for the fastest American woman to run a marathon at the 2022 Houston Marathon. However, the Milwaukee-born long-distance runner surpassed D’Amato’s record by a whopping 43 seconds. “It was one of those days where everything clicked, and you don’t get too many of those days in a career,” the athlete said in an interview after her big accomplishments.
“It was just special,” the runner added. “Because I’ve been doing this for so long, it’s rare everything comes together, where you feel really good and everything falls into place. I’m just really thankful.”
Surprisingly, Sisson’s record-breaking time came as a surprise to the athlete herself. Speaking with a news station after the race, she admitted that breaking the world record wasn’t planned. “I thought 2:20 was an ambitious goal, so to run 2:18:29 and finish second, I’m just ecstatic about it,” she commented.
Emily Sisson on meeting the previous record holders after the Chicago Marathon
Following the end of the Chicago Marathon, Sisson was given the opportunity to meet other record-breakers such as Keira D’Amato, Deena Kastor and Joan Benoit Samuelson. According to the distance runner, it was a moving experience. “I got to speak to all of these women who have left incredible legacies in our sport,” Sisson shared. “It was surreal.”
However, after D’Amato first broke the record in September, she didn’t anticipate holding the title for very long. “There’s a number of American women that are also gunning for that record, so I think if I don’t lower it myself, it’s not going to be mine for very much longer,” she admitted last month, per The New York Times.
In addition, the record breaker took to Instagram to celebrate her marathon completion. “American record in the marathon today! 2:18:29. Still sinking in to be honest lol,” Sisson wrote on her social media page, attaching a photo of herself holding a sign that reads “American Record.”
“So overwhelmed—in the best way—with all the kind messages and texts! Thanks everyone for all the support,” she added before concluding her post with the sentiments, “I’m lucky to have such a team.”
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