By Citius Mag Staff
June 30, 2023
On June 30, Keira D’Amato ran 1:06:39 at the Asics Half in Australia to shave 13 seconds off the American half marathon record, formerly held by Emily Sisson.
Here’s what you need to know:
– D’Amato’s previous half marathon personal best was 1:07:55 from 2021.
– Emily Sisson’s former record of 1:06:52 was set in January earlier this year at the Houston Half.
– Prior to the Asics Half, D’Amato withdrew from the London Marathon in April but was able to bounce back after an injury to place second at the USA 25k Championships in May. She also placed fifth in 31:23 at the New York Mini 10K on June 10.
What she said after:
“Earlier this year was a tough year for me…Being able to perform today on such a fast course, a flat course under beautiful conditions. I’m just very thankful.”
What comes next:
D’Amato will represent Team USA in the marathon on August 26 at the World Championships in Budapest. Last year, she finished 8th in 2:23:34 off a shortened build-up when she was a late addition to the team to replace an injured Molly Seidel.
Our take:
"It's great to see Keira back in record-setting form. We're in for a fast summer and fall with the American women on the roads. The half marathon record has traded hands three times since the start of 2022. Sara Hall ran 67:15 at the 2022 Houston Half to break Molly Huddle's record from 2018. It lasted just four months before Emily Sisson claimed it at the Indianapolis 500Festival Mini-Marathon in 67:11. Then, she lowered it to 66:52 in January. It's a special time and we've still yet to see the likes of Alicia Monson, Elise Cranny or Emily Infeld test the half marathon distance. To have Keira, Emily and Sara setting the bar is great for the sport.
Also: Total flex by Keira to close with a 4:57 final mile. Her Strava also said she was on 4:27/mile pace for that final .10. She was CHARGING home." – Chris Chavez
Citius Mag Staff
