Olympic Marathon Alternate Jess McClain Ready to Race in Paris, but Might Not Be Needed

Jess McClain, who finished fourth at the Olympic Marathon Trials in February in Orlando and was the Olympic alternate, had made her peace last weekend with not running at the Games.

Then early this week she got a phone call from a Team USA official, telling her she might have the opportunity to race. Few details were given. It wasn’t clear to McClain which athlete—Fiona O’Keeffe, Emily Sisson, or Dakotah Lindwurm—was in question, or what the problem was, injury or illness. It was McClain’s decision about whether she should travel to Paris. There was no guarantee she would line up.

McClain didn’t hesitate. She hopped on a plane to Paris and after a 10-hour flight, arrived on the morning of August 7. She went straight from the airport to run the hilly 9-mile section of the marathon course.

But since she arrived, McClain has learned she likely won’t be needed.

It’s been a roller coaster. And McClain’s primary concern is for whomever is scheduled to run who is uncertain.

“I have had a pit in my stomach for four days,” she said. “I can’t imagine. It sucks. It’s a crappy situation. I feel so bad for whoever it is.”

She did say she has been training all summer. She’s fit, ready to go, strong in the heat and on hills. If given the opportunity, she is confident she could do well.

Embracing the Olympic Experience

Being in limbo has made for a mix of emotions. McClain said she’s trying to embrace the opportunity of being in the environment of the Olympics, and she’s trying to soak it all in. “It’s a cool sign that I’m so stoked at the possibility to be able to race,” she said.

McClain was fourth at the Trials, and then she was fourth at the Olympic Trials on the track in the 10,000 meters. This year she’s resurrected her pro career, since stepping away from elite running during the pandemic. She signed a contract with Brooks.

Garrett Heath, the Brooks sports marketing representative, said the company is so proud of McClain. “She’s a gamer,” he said. “She puts herself in position to take advantage of situations. I think there is something to that consistency of just continuing to show up. And maybe she doesn’t run the Olympic Marathon this weekend, but she’s not going anywhere and she’s only building momentum from here.”

McClain was still trying to decide where to cheer for the Team USA runners on Sunday morning if she isn’t needed herself. She’ll be out on the course drinking beer.

A Long Run in Paris

Assuming she doesn’t run, McClain is trying to get a bib number for the people’s marathon tomorrow night in Paris, starting at 9 p.m. and going over the same course the elites will run. “I need to get a long run in,” she quipped.