More and more elite American marathon runners are trading smooth asphalt for demanding trails and ultramarathons. Icons like Molly Seidel and Des Linden are seeking new challenges in extreme conditions, proving that a passion for running knows no boundaries—whether in terrain or age.
Molly Seidel and Des Linden: From Olympic Glory to Ultra Endurance
Before these outstanding athletes decided to venture into trail running, they cemented their names in marathon history. Molly Seidel is a Tokyo 2021 Olympic bronze medalist, a feat she sensationally achieved in only her third start at that distance. She is also a four-time NCAA champion and holds the U.S. record on the New York City Marathon course.
Meanwhile, Des Linden is a staple of American distance running, best known as the 2018 Boston Marathon champion and a two-time Olympian. Linden also holds the women’s world record for the 50km distance.
Molly Seidel’s Historic Triumph at the Bandera 50K
Molly Seidel’s 50km ultramarathon debut made history as one of the most impressive performances in the sport. During the Bandera 50K in Texas, Seidel didn’t just win the women’s category—she won the entire race outright, beating the entire men’s field. The Texas Hill Country course is notorious for being technically demanding, featuring rocky paths and over 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of elevation gain.
Seidel completed the course in 4:09:39, shattering the previous women’s course record from 2012 by more than 15 minutes. She finished more than six minutes ahead of the fastest male runner. For Seidel, this race was a “warm-up” in her pursuit of a “Golden Ticket” to the legendary Western States 100, which remains one of her biggest athletic dreams. The victory proved that her marathon strength and endurance translate seamlessly to rugged terrain.
Des Linden and the Grueling Marathon des Sables
Des Linden has taken an even more radical step by choosing the Marathon des Sables (MdS)—a six-stage race through the Sahara Desert in Morocco, covering approximately 250 kilometers (155 miles). The MdS is widely considered one of the toughest endurance races in the world. Runners must face extreme heat, shifting sand dunes, and rocky terrain, all while carrying their own gear, food, and sleeping supplies on their backs.
Linden is preparing for this expedition under the guidance of Magda Boulet, an ultra champion and the 2018 MdS winner, who will accompany her on the course. The decision to compete was born during a shared running trip through the Swiss Alps. For Des, the key appeal is the total self-sufficiency and the need to manage resources in extreme conditions—a major departure from the controlled environment of road marathons. Linden admits it is a “crazy idea,” but that is exactly what has reignited her excitement for the sport.
Why Do Pros Make Such a Radical Shift?
Transitioning to trails is a way for many runners to rediscover the joy of running and escape the “marathon bubble.” Seidel has spoken openly about how, despite her success, the marathon took a heavy physical and mental toll, leading to injuries and burnout. Mountain running gives her a sense of freedom and mental recovery.
Linden, on the other hand, is looking for new training stimuli—such as running with a weighted pack and mastering ultra-nutrition logistics—to avoid a sporting plateau in the later stages of her career.
Age is Just a Number: The Incredible Dot McMahan
The potential of the human body in long-distance running often defies the calendar, as best illustrated by Dot McMahan. At 49 years old, she qualified for her sixth U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials, an unprecedented achievement. In Houston, she clocked a time of 2:36:24, proving that consistency and passion allow for elite form to be maintained for decades.
McMahan isn’t just competing at the highest level; she has become a mentor to younger athletes, training side-by-side with them. Her recent successes, including a personal best of 2:33:43 at age 48, show that true potential exists regardless of age. For McMahan, motivation—often drawn from watching her daughter’s own athletic progress—is the key to longevity in the sport.
When the Pavement Isn’t Enough
Modern long-distance running is becoming increasingly multi-dimensional, and the lines between road and trail are blurring. The stories of Molly Seidel, Des Linden, and Dot McMahan serve as proof that the courage to take on new challenges and the constant search for passion allow runners to push the limits of human possibility, regardless of past achievements or age.
