Jess McClain is replacing Betsy Saina on the U.S. marathon team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025. This change is due to Saina’s withdrawal from the competition because she is expecting a baby…

Jess McClain is replacing Betsy Saina on the U.S. marathon team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo 2025. This change is due to Saina’s withdrawal from the competition because she is expecting a baby

 

In a notable shift to the U.S. women’s marathon lineup, Jess McClain has been named as the replacement for Betsy Saina on Team USA for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September 14, 2025. The change comes after Saina announced her withdrawal from the competition due to her pregnancy, as she is expecting her second child.

Betsy Saina, a former Kenyan Olympian who became a U.S. citizen in 2021, was among the top three women selected to represent the United States in Tokyo. She earned her spot on the strength of her stellar marathon performances in recent years, including a personal best of 2:19:17 at the 2024 Tokyo Marathon — the third-fastest marathon time ever by an American woman. Saina’s journey has been widely celebrated, particularly her impressive return to elite racing after giving birth to her first child in 2021.

On social media, Saina shared the joyful news of her pregnancy and expressed her bittersweet emotions about stepping away from competition this season. “This is a time filled with lullabies, big brother hugs, and new beginnings,” she wrote. “While I will miss lining up with my teammates in Tokyo, I know this is the right decision for my growing family.”

With Saina’s withdrawal, Jess McClain steps up to fill the open spot on the marathon squad. McClain, 33, had been named the first alternate after finishing fourth at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando with a personal best of 2:25:46. Her consistent performances throughout the past year—including a strong showing as the top American woman at the 2025 Boston Marathon, where she ran 2:22:43—solidified her place as one of the nation’s most reliable marathoners.

For McClain, the opportunity to compete at the World Championships represents a major career milestone. “It’s an incredible honor,” she said in a recent statement. “When I was named alternate, I told myself I needed to stay ready just in case. I didn’t expect the call, but I’m so grateful and excited to represent the U.S. on the global stage.”

McClain, who is self-coached and balances a full-time job with nonprofit work, has become an inspiring figure in American distance running. Her steady rise over the past few years has been fueled by grit, discipline, and a deep love for the sport. She credits her support system—including her husband, close friends, and fellow runners—for helping her navigate the challenges of elite marathon training.

McClain now joins Susanna Sullivan and Erika Kemp on the U.S. women’s marathon squad for Tokyo. Together, the trio will look to make a strong showing against a world-class field, with the marathon set to be one of the highlights of the championships.

As McClain begins her final preparation for Tokyo, she carries the spirit of Saina’s legacy and the dreams of representing her country at the highest level. With determination and a sense of purpose, she steps into a role she’s been ready for all along.