873. Jess McClain, Boston Marathon-Bound

In this episode of the Ali on the Run Show, host Allie Feller welcomes back beloved marathoner Jess McClain as she prepares for the 2026 Boston Marathon. Jess reflects on her journey from a heartbreaking off-course incident at the U.S. Half Marathon Championships in Atlanta—where she, Emma Grace Hurley, and Edna Kurgot were mistakenly led off the course—through the emotional fallout, public scrutiny, and eventual resolution that earned them honorary Team USA spots for the World Championships in Copenhagen. She shares how she handled the crisis with grace, the lessons learned, and how the experience fueled her resilience. Jess also discusses her recent 10K performance, her training block leading into Boston, the physical and emotional toll of freezing her eggs, and her mindset around balancing elite athletics with a full-time career and personal life. With humor, honesty, and vulnerability, Jess reveals her strategies for mental toughness, the importance of self-compassion, and her excitement for Boston, where she’ll be part of a packed weekend of events including a press conference and fan festivities. The conversation is a masterclass in grace under pressure, authenticity, and the joy of running through life’s unexpected turns.