Why is Jessica McClain trending today?
Jessica McClain is trending for her surprise second-place finish at the 2026 New York City Marathon, ending an 8-year podium drought for American women. She overtook defending champion Hellen Obiri in the final strides, finishing just 6 seconds behind winner Sheila Chepkirui.
What happened
- 1 Nov 2026
McClain finishes 2nd in the NYC Marathon, 6 seconds behind winner Sheila Chepkirui [1][2][3]
- Earlier
McClain steps back from competitive running between 2020-2022 to focus on a marketing career [3]
- 2022
Returns to running, winning the Mesa Marathon in Arizona [3]
- 2024
Finishes 4th in the US Olympic Marathon Trials [3]
What you need to know
McClain's finish is the first US women's podium at NYC Marathon since 2018 [1][2][3]
She passed two-time champion Hellen Obiri in the final 150 meters [2]
McClain took a 2-year break from running (2020-2022) to pursue a marketing career [3]
Whether McClain's performance guarantees Olympic qualification for 2028 – trials will be held in March 2028 [3]
Background
The NYC Marathon women's race was won by Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui in 2:24:36 [1][2][3]
McClain, 36, from Scottsdale, Arizona, was a Stanford All-American runner [3]
Her career included injuries (stress fractures) and an Olympic near-miss in 2016 [3]
Questions people ask
Did Jessica McClain win the NYC Marathon?
No, she finished second behind Kenya's Sheila Chepkirui by 6 seconds [1][2][3].
Why is her result significant?
It's the first time an American woman has reached the NYC Marathon podium since 2018 [1][2][3].
What's next for McClain?
She's a contender for the 2028 US Olympic Marathon Trials in St. Louis [3]
Where this came from
[1] flotrack.org
2026 New York City Marathon Results: Sheila Chepkirui Wins Women's Elite Race
Preview image from flotrack.org
[2] newsday.com
Sheila Chepkirui wins the women's race of the New York City Marathon for the 2nd time
Preview image from newsday.com
[3] nbcsports.com
New York City Marathon: Andreas Almgren, Sheila Chepkirui win; Jess McClain ends U.S. podium drought
Preview image from nbcsports.com
Found through Google Trends and drafted with AI from at least two cited sources. Published automatically after passing our automated checks for sources, wording and safety. It may not have been reviewed by a person yet. Report a correction.