Desiree Linden


Desiree Nicole Linden is an American long-distance runner. She represented the United States in the 2012 London Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics women's marathon. In 2018, she won the Boston Marathon, becoming the first American in 33 years to win the woman's category in the event.

Early career

Desiree Linden was born in San Diego, California.

High school

In high school Linden ran track and cross country, and played soccer. She ran a sub-5 minute mile as a high school freshman and graduated from Hilltop High School in 2001. At the CIF California State Meet she was a finalist all four years. In both 1998 and 1999 she was 8th in the 1600. 1999 saw her also attempt to double in the 800 meters, finishing last after being depleted from the 1600. In 2000, she improved that to 5th. Her best finish was 4th in 2001 in the 3200. In all but the 800, she was beaten by Sara Bei.

College

Linden studied psychology at Arizona State University, and was a two time All-American in track and cross country. She finished third at the 2005 Pac-10 5,000m Collegiate Championships.
She married Ryan Linden in 2013.

Professional career

She now trains with the Hansons-Brooks Distance Project in Michigan. She is represented by agent Josh Cox and is sponsored by Timex, Powerbar, Oakley and Brooks Running.
Career highlights:
;2006–07
;2008–09
;2010–11
;2012–13
;2014–15
;2016
;2017
;2018
;2019
;2020
SurfaceEventTimeDateLocation
Outdoor track5,000 m15:08.64August 6, 2011London, England
Outdoor track10,000 m31:37.14June 23, 2011Eugene, Oregon
Indoor track3,000 m8:51.08March 12, 2010Doha, Qatar
Road20 km1:07.08March 18, 2012New York, New York
RoadHalf marathon1:10.34January 16, 2011Naples, Florida
Road30 km1:43.50October 10, 2010Chicago, Illinois
RoadMarathon2:22:38April 18, 2011Boston, Massachusetts

Personal life

Linden is an aficionado of bourbon. One of her role models is Deena Kastor. She is married to fellow marathoner Ryan Linden.