Des Linden is one of the finest distance runners in America. Her focused training, with time spent in the cold of Michigan and the humidity of Florida, built up a toughness that is both mental and physical. All was directed at her favorite race, Boston Marathon, and when the moment came, Des Linden held on for the entire ride. Running in conditions not witnessed by this writer in ANY major marathon in recent decades, Des Linden won against Mother Nature.
Why is Des Linden so damn good? Des knows that there are no secrets to success in distance running. Race cross country, race track and race on the roads. Run in high school, run in college, then, spend ten years running 100 miles a week, in hot, cold and rainy weather. Eat well, hydrate and have a life outside of running. Find a hobby. All those matter.
It is great to see Des Linden running in Falmouth, one of the iconic road races. I recall running it in 1985 and 1986. It was humid, challenging, but fun. The weekend is a celebration of New England running! And Des Linden deserves the accolades from her race with destiny, aka the Boston Marathon.
Des Linden, taming the Boston Marathon, photo by PhotoRun.net
Des Linden to Run for Fun at New Balance Falmouth Road Race
First Appearance for 2018 Boston Marathon Champion at “Bucket List” Race on August 19
FALMOUTH, MA (August 2, 2018)–Des Linden, who in April became the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years, will run the New Balance Falmouth Road Race on August 19 for the first time. She will serve as Official Starter for the Women’s Elite Race, then jump into the Open Race and run with the masses.
“The Falmouth Road Race has been on my bucket list for a long time,” said Linden, 35. “I’m excited to finally participate this year, enjoy the scenic course, and celebrate the race’s great history with the other 12,799 runners on the road.”
Since Linden’s historic victory – in arguably the worst conditions in Boston’s 122-year history, with torrential rains and a pounding headwind – the two-time Olympic marathoner has crisscrossed the country making appearances that have included presenting Taylor Swift with her statuette as Best Female Artist at the Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas. After her Falmouth run, she plans to focus on training for the TCS New York City Marathon, on November 4.
“Like Meb Keflezighi in 2014, Des Linden has won a place in our hearts for all time with her gutsy win in Boston,” said Geoff Nickerson, president of the Falmouth Road Race, Inc. board of directors. “To be able to give our runners and our community the chance to not only meet Des but to run alongside her is an honor.”
As part of Race Week, Linden will also appear on stage at the New Balance Falmouth Road Race Health & Fitness Expo at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, before and after which she will hand out gift bags to runners. At 4 p.m., she will join in on the action at the Saturday Track Festival, handing out medals and holding break tapes at the SBLI Family Fun Run, Tommy Cochary High School Mile and Aetna Falmouth Elite Mile.
About Falmouth Road Race, Inc. The New Balance Falmouth Road Race was established in 1973 and has become one of the premier running events of the summer season. Each year the race draws an international field of Olympians, elite and recreational runners out to enjoy the iconic 7-mile seaside course. The non-profit Falmouth Road Race organization is committed to promoting health and fitness through community programs and philanthropic giving.
