America’s Jess McClain has set a new record at the Boston Marathon 2026. She is the first American woman at the event to make the finishing line. This was the 130th of the event held on April 20, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. On Monday, April 20, US women dominated the women’s results with four runners making into the top 10 at the Marathon.
McClain shattered the US course record. She finished in fifth overall with a timing of 2:20:49. Her performance surpassed Shalane Flanagan’s 2014 mark by a difference of 1:13. For the Arizona native, this was her second consecutive year as the top US finisher in Boston.
Joining McClain in the top spots of the Boston Marathon results are Annie Frisbie who finished eighth in 2:22:00, Emily Sisson placed ninth in 2:22:39, and Carrie Ellwood rounded off with a 10th-place finish in 2:22:53.
Meanwhile, defending champion Sharon Lokedi of Kenya defended her title by winning the race in 2:18:51. Her performance was the fourth-fastest women’s event ever-made in the history of the Boston Marathon. Fellow Kenyans Loice Chemnung and Mary Ngugi-Cooper finished with the podium sweep.
Following the event, McClain said, “I had no idea how fast I was running, so I was very pleasantly surprised when I got to the finish and realized what the official time was.”
The 34-year-old went on to reveal her tragic incident where she had missed collecting her water bottle at the 30-kilometer aid station. She was left a bit behind the lead pack, but she fought back gaining the contention in the Newton hills.
The results of the Boston Marathon showcased the depth of the US distance runners roster. A total of seven US women participants have finished in the elite field, showcasing Boston’s growth in marathon.
Elite Race Women Results from 2026 Boston Marathon
- Sharon Lokedi: 2:18:51
- Loice Chemnung: 2:19:35
- Mary Ngugi-Cooper: 2:20:07
- Mercy Chelangat: 2:20:30
- Jess McClain: 2:20:49
- Irine Cheptai: 2:20:54
- Workenesh Edesa: 2:21:52
- Annie Frisbie: 2:22:00
- Emily Sisson: 2:22:39
- Carrie Ellwood: 2:22:53
