Sara Hall runs second-fastest time in American history, 2:20:32

Hall was within a minute of Deena Kastor's American record on Sunday

Madeleine Kelly December 20, 2020

Sara Hall has had an amazing 2020, which she capped off on Sunday at The Marathon Project with a marathon personal best of 2:20:32. Hall ran the second-fastest time in American history, only 10 weeks after posting a PB of 2:22:01 at the London Marathon. She was clear in her intention to run a new American marathon record and was within one minute of doing so, but fell just short. Deena Kastor’s 2:19:36 (from the 2006 London Marathon) lives to see another day.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CI8iv6ZpJ0z/

Even though Hall fell short of her primary goal, her race was stunning. She went out at 2:19 pace and only deviated by a few seconds per mile over the course of the 42.2K. Hall can add this marathon to her increasingly impressive resume, which includes a 1:08:58 half-marathon and a world-major podium finish.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CI5scdOnjr5/

Hall wasn’t the only American who had a stellar day on Sunday. Second-place finisher Keira D’Amato, 35, ran a 12 minute personal best, finishing in 2:22:56. D’Amato (alongside Hall) has had one of the most impressive 2020’s of any runner. The real estate agent and mom of two ran a 15:04 5K this year, a 1:08 half-marathon, and also set an American 10-mile record. D’Amato had an extremely successful NCAA career, but took time away from the sport to begin her career and start a family. Now she’s back, and a force to be reckoned with. On Sunday she proved she’s a real contender in the American distance running scene and beyond.

In Canadian results, Natasha Wodak had a great day, running the second-fastest time ever by a Canadian and putting her in a strong position to be selected for the Canadian Olympic marathon team. Wodak finished fifth, in 2:26:19.

Full results can be found here.

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

Best trail running gear for spring 2024