Sara Hall, 41, delivered a stellar performance at the Valencia Marathon, breaking her own U.S. masters marathon record with a time of 2:23:45. This exceptional run, averaging 5:29 per mile, secured her 10th place in a competitive field and marked her best marathon result since 2022, when she finished fifth at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Hall’s record-breaking effort surpassed her previous mark of 2:26:06 set earlier this year at the Olympic Trials.
The marathon, known for producing world-class performances, was won by Ethiopia’s Megertu Alemu in an astonishing 2:16:49, a new course record. Hall, however, stood out for her resilience and tactical adjustments.
This was her fourth marathon of 2024, following challenging outings in Chicago, where she placed 18th in 2:30:12, and Boston, where she finished 15th in 2:27:58.
After the race, Hall shared her thoughts on social media, expressing pride in her ability to fight through adversity. “It felt so good to have my normal fight out there,” she wrote, describing how she applied lessons learned from previous races.
In Chicago, hydration issues cost her valuable time, so in Valencia, she prioritized fluid intake and electrolytes. Running an evenly paced race with splits of 1:11:40 and 1:12:05, she showcased both discipline and endurance.
Hall’s illustrious career spans nearly two decades. She has competed in every U.S. Olympic Trials since 2004, on both track and road, and continues to be coached by her husband, Ryan Hall, one of the top American marathoners in history.
Another standout performance in Valencia came from Roberta Groner, 46, who broke the American record for the 45–49 age group with a time of 2:29:32. Groner’s achievement sets a high bar, but Hall, who turns 45 in 2028, could be the one to challenge it in the future.
Sara Hall’s Valencia triumph underscores her enduring excellence and positions her as a role model for runners of all ages.
