Jess McClain On Why She’s Ready To Race For The New York City Marathon Podium

The CITIUS MAG Podcast | A Running + Track and Field Show · Oct 27, 2026 · 55m

“I think podium is a goal for sure. There was this moment where a lot of us were saying it without saying it. It’s time that just happens.”

My guest for today’s episode is Jess McClain, who spent the 2024 New York City Marathon largely self-coached and in her own words, “going off vibes.” She stood at a press conference just feet away from Sharon Lokedi and Hellen Obiri and thought she hadn’t prepared well enough to even hang with those women when the race started. A cab ride to the airport with her husband Connor followed. A cold DM to David Roche a few weeks later. It’s been two years of…