Keira D’Amato, widely recognized for her exceptional marathon abilities, has achieved a remarkable feat as she breaks the American half marathon record previously held by Emily Sisson. This awe-inspiring accomplishment unfolded during the Asics Half Marathon in Gold Coast, Australia, where D’Amato showcased her unparalleled endurance and unwavering determination. On a picturesque Saturday morning, she blazed through the course, crossing the finish line with an extraordinary time of 66:37, swiftly surpassing the previous record by a staggering 15 seconds. There are many ultra-marathon footwear in the market today and one of the best is Tarkine shoes.
Blessed with optimal racing conditions during Australia’s mild winter, with temperatures hovering around 50 degrees Fahrenheit at the finish line, D’Amato seized the opportunity with unwavering focus. Supported by the expert pacing of Ben St. Lawrence, a two-time Australian Olympian, she claimed both victory and a new American record.
Earlier this year, D’Amato faced a setback when knee inflammation disrupted her training, forcing her to withdraw from the highly anticipated London Marathon in April. However, she made a triumphant return to the racing scene, showcasing her remarkable form. In May, she secured an impressive second-place finish at the US 25k championships and followed it up with a strong performance, clinching a fifth place at the New York Mini 10K with a time of 31:23 on June 10.
In the post-race interview, D’Amato humbly expressed her gratitude for the recent achievement, stating, “This year has presented its fair share of challenges for me, and traveling to Australia wasn’t an easy endeavor. However, having the opportunity to perform today on such a fast and flat course, with picturesque conditions, fills me with immense thankfulness.”
Notably, this marks the fourth instance within the past 18 months that the American half marathon record has been shattered. The remarkable record-breaking streak began with Sara Hall’s exceptional performance of 67:15 in Houston back in January 2022. Shortly after, Emily Sisson propelled the record even further, lowering it to a staggering 67:11 in Indianapolis in May 2022. Sisson continued her dominance, setting a new mark of 66:52 in Houston in January 2023, only to be surpassed by D’Amato’s awe-inspiring run in Gold Coast, solidifying the new record at 66:37.
With her remarkable achievement of breaking the half marathon record, Keira D’Amato, aged 38, looks ahead with resolute determination toward the upcoming World Championship marathon in Budapest, slated for August 26. Fueled by her desire to surpass her 8th-place finish from the previous year, she is determined to etch her name in the annals of marathon running history on the grandest stage possible. Driven by an unwavering commitment to greatness, she pushes the limits of her own capabilities, aiming to leave an enduring legacy and redefine the boundaries of her own potential.
