In April of 2018, Des Linden braved headwinds and torrential rain to become the first US women’s champion at the Boston Marathon since 1985. Des is a two-time U.S. Olympic Marathoner, finishing 7th at the Rio Olympic Games. She got her start at Hilltop High in Chula Vista, California where she earned All-State honors. Des attended Arizona State University where she was an All-American in both cross country and track. After graduation, she moved to Rochester Hills, Michigan to begin her professional career. She currently trains in Northern Michigan and represents Brooks Running.
In 2021, Des attempted her first ultramarathon and completed the 50k distance in 2:59:54, setting the women’s World Record and becoming the first female to break the three-hour barrier. A self-proclaimed bacon aficionado, her hobbies include collecting assorted whiskeys, drinking Linden X Two Coffee, recording podcast episodes for Nobody Asked Us with Des & Kara, and relaxing with her dogs Rivers and Boston. She is the author of the New York Times bestseller Choosing to Run.
Favorite sports memory?
Watching Deena Kastor race to the Olympic bronze medal at the 2000 Olympic Marathon.
Your global sports Mount Rushmore:
Michelle Akers, Jacqueline Hansen, Lewis Hamilton, Edson Arantes do Nascimento (Pelé)
Which world leader would you put in goal?
Albert II, Prince of Monaco
Which athlete would you want to be world leader?
Philip Rivers
Best rivalry:
Adidas vs Puma
A sign that the world of sport is shrinking:
Being in Mexico City for a work event and randomly getting to catch an MLB game.
Where would the Great Game Lab find the quintessence of global sport?
Olympic Marathon finish line.
Question you'd most want to ask other fellows?
How did you get involved in sports, and what role do they play in your life today?