British long-distance runner Calli Hauger-Thackery has earned widespread admiration after completing the Boston Marathon while 22 weeks pregnant, calling the race one of the most significant experiences of her career.
According to BBC Sport on Tuesday, the 33-year-old Olympian finished the 26.2-mile race in 2 hours and 43 minutes. While far off her personal best, the effort stood out as a remarkable feat given her condition.
“I’m grateful that I got through that today. 26.2 miles is no easy feat and to do it this far into pregnancy, I’m super grateful,” she said.
Hauger-Thackery had placed sixth in the previous year’s edition with a much faster time of 2:22:38, but this year’s challenge proved considerably tougher.
Her race began with complications as she suffered a trapped nerve in her glute just five miles in, forcing her to stop for medical attention.
“I had to dash into the medical tent because I had this crazy trapped nerve. I genuinely couldn’t even pick up my right leg properly. I was dragging it,” she averred.
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She later required further treatment at the 11-mile mark, though she managed to continue after receiving support from race medics.
Pregnancy added further difficulty during the race, including additional stops along the course.
“I had two wee stops, as you do when you’re pregnant, you need them more than ever, but this was all before mile 13,” she explained.
Despite a difficult opening half, she said the latter stages of the marathon felt significantly better.
“The second half felt flawless, like I was in tune with my body. I felt a million dollars. There were many times before halfway I didn’t think I was going to finish.”
Although her finishing time was slower than usual, Hauger-Thackery described the run as deeply meaningful, highlighting her resilience, determination, and ability to push through extraordinary physical challenges.