Amway River Bank Run Winner Sets Chicago Marathon Record

Finishing a race is an achievement in itself, but setting a US record in your debut race says something. That's where Emma Grace Hurley finds herself after finishing seventh at the Chicago Marathon over the weekend in her first-ever marathon. 

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Yes, in her first-ever marathon, she snagged 7th place among women and was the first American woman to cross the finish line. It's an incredible feat: she averaged 5 minutes and 19 seconds per mile across all 26 miles, for a total time of 2:20:47, perfectly doubling her half-marathon time from earlier this year when she won Grand Rapids' Amway River Bank Run.

Amway River Bank Run via Facebook

From Grand Rapids to Chicago

Back in May, Hurley ran the 25k at the Amway River Bank Run, finishing 33rd overall and 1st as the first woman to finish. She finished in 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 45 seconds, with a pace of 5:21/mile. This time is impressive, but her September half marathon time shaved off over four minutes, and she now ranks 3rd all-time on the US women's half marathon list.

READ MORE: River Bank Run Offers Corrections After Medal Ribbons Have A Typo

Now, after all this success and her world-record debut in Chicago, multiple outlets say she is a contender for the 2028 Olympics Marathon Trials. Not bad for someone who had never run more than 22 miles at a time before Sunday.