INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field Announced Today that Jess McClain, Formerly an Alternate for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Marathon Team, will Step up to Represent Team USATF at the September Event…

INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field Announced Today that Jess McClain, Formerly an Alternate for the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 Marathon Team, will Step up to Represent Team USATF at the September Event…

 

INDIANAPOLIS – USA Track & Field (USATF) announced today that Jess McClain will officially join the U.S. team competing in the marathon at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25, set to take place in September. McClain, who had previously been named an alternate, will now step into a full team position and represent Team USATF in one of the sport’s most prestigious international events.

The decision comes following a withdrawal by one of the original marathon team members, paving the way for McClain’s elevation to the main roster. Known for her consistency and toughness on the roads, McClain has steadily risen through the ranks of American distance running and earned her spot through a series of strong performances, including a personal best of 2:27:55 achieved earlier this year.

“I’m incredibly honored and excited to represent Team USATF at the World Championships,” said McClain in a statement. “This is a dream come true, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to race among the best in the world. I’ve been training hard, and I’m ready to give it everything I have for Team USA.”

McClain has had a breakout season in 2024, with impressive results that positioned her among the top marathoners in the country. Her qualifying performance was not only a personal best but also came under challenging conditions, highlighting her strength and race-day savvy. Her selection to the team is seen as both a recognition of her athletic merit and a testament to the depth of U.S. distance talent.

USA Track & Field’s Managing Director of High Performance, Duffy Mahoney, welcomed the addition of McClain to the roster. “Jess has demonstrated exceptional ability and consistency over the past year. We are confident that she will rise to the occasion and be a strong contributor to Team USATF at the World Championships,” Mahoney said.

The marathon at the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 is expected to feature a deep and competitive field, with elite runners from across the globe vying for medals in the streets of Tokyo. The U.S. women’s team has historically performed well in international marathon events, and McClain’s addition brings renewed energy and depth to the squad.

With less than three months until race day, McClain will fine-tune her training in preparation for the tactical and physical demands of championship-level racing. Known for her disciplined approach, she plans to continue working closely with her coach and support team to ensure she is in peak condition come September.

Team USATF’s full marathon roster will be finalized and released ahead of the championships, but McClain’s inclusion is already being viewed as a promising development for fans and followers of U.S. distance running.

As she prepares for her global debut in the red, white, and blue, Jess McClain embodies the determination and resilience that define Team USA, and her story serves as an inspiration for athletes chasing their breakthrough on the world stage.