Xavier Prep alum sets American course record at Boston Marathon

Jess McClain set a new American women’s record at the Boston Marathon with a time of 2:20.49.
McClain’s time surpassed the previous record of 2:22:02 set by Shalane Flanagan in 2022.
The record comes two years after McClain returned to professional running following a hiatus to pursue a corporate career.

The redemption journey for Jess McClain continues.

McClain, a 2010 Phoenix Xavier Prep alum, ran 2:20.49 to finish fifth at the Boston Marathon on April 20, setting a new American women’s record for the race. The record comes two years after she made a return to the sport following a hiatus.

“To be able to lead a world major at some point is not something I ever thought I’d be able to do, so you just gotta be really happy with that for now,” McClain said following the race. “Then build from here. I hope to run faster than that again someday, but I’m like, ‘How?’ I was pretty maxed out.”

That time topped the previous record set by Shalane Flanagan in 2022. Flanagan held the mark at 2:22:02.

McClain, one of the most decorated runners in Arizona prep history with 12 state titles across cross-country and track and field, was a seven-time All-American at Stanford after her Xavier career.

She then ran professionally for Brooks for four years from 2015 to 2019. McClain stepped away from professional running in 2020, opting to pursue a corporate career. But running came calling again a few years later.

McClain made her return to running in 2023. A year later, she only missed the United States Olympic marathon team by 15 seconds.

Now, McClain is back with Brooks Running as a professional and is one of the fastest women in the country.

The performance at the Boston Marathon shows McClain that it could be a fast summer.

“It gives me confidence, for sure,” she said.

McClain was in contention to win the U.S. Half Marathon Championship back on March 1 until an error by a course official led her off course, costing her a potential win. She received an exemption from World Athletics to compete at the 2026 World Road Running Championships in Copenhagen in September.

Logan Stanley is a sports reporter with The Arizona Republic who primarily focuses on high school, college and Olympic sports. To suggest ideas for human-interest stories and other news, reach out to Stanley at logan.stanley@usatodayco.com or 707-293-7650. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter: @LSscribe.