5 Things To Know About Desiree Linden, Boston Marathon Winner

DETROIT, MI — Michigan’s Desiree Linden claimed the top spot at this week’s Boston Marathon, making the state proud. She’s the first American woman to win the race since 1985, making the whole country proud. Now, everyone is talking about her.

It’s not Linden’s first time making headlines; the 34-year-old is a two-time Olympian and avid marathon runner, with a passion for running since her youth. Let’s take a closer look at her win and her life as a champion runner with 5 things to know about Desiree Linden:

1. She’s a Macomb County resident. Confusion swirled around Linden’s Michigan home city when she won (she has her residence listed as Rochester Hills on Wikipedia), but she’s actually a resident of Washington Township, a small community located on the outskirts of metro Detroit, north of Shelby, south of Romeo. Linden was the only runner from Washington, Mich. registered at the Boston Marathon. She’s originally from Chula Vista, Calif.

2. Rochester Hills is like another home for her. Linden trains with the Hansons-Brooks project based in Rochester Hills and the community embraces her.

"Des represents everything good about our community," said Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett in a statement after she won. "We couldn't be more proud of her. She's a determined and accomplished athlete, an Olympian, and now, the first American woman to win the Boston Marathon in 33 years! She never gives up."

Linden received the City of Rochester Hills' Community Excellence Award in 2016. When asked about her training, she shared that the Paint Creek Trail was one of her favorite spots. "It's an amazing surface to go out there and log a ton of miles," she said.

3. Linden is dedicated to the craft. She’s active on social media, documenting how she prepares for marathons and races and offering inspirational tidbits to her followers. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, she said she prepares for a marathon like in Boston by running up to 100 miles each week. When preparing for the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Linden said she trained on a treadmill for an hour at 89 degrees and 75 percent humidity — conditions that simulated the weather in Brazil over the summer.

4. She has her moments of doubt. In an interview with Good Morning America following her win, Linden said she started off questioning doing the race, not feeling well and being rained out in Boston. She told media it was “American pride” that allowed her to stick it out and help fellow American Shalene Flanagan get back to the pack after Flanagan peeled off into a port-a-potty during the race. Flanagan, a Marblehead, Mass. native, recently became the first woman in 40 years to win the New York Marathon. The break paid off for them both in a showcase of sportsmanship and camaraderie.

5. There’s a pay day for running through a storm. In addition to bragging rights, more national fame and a trophy, Linden scored a six-figure prize. She’ll take home $150,000 in cash by coming in first at Monday’s race. She won the top prize after competing in the marathon six times and having previously achieved Silver in 2011.

Screenshot of Desiree Linden via NBCSN

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