37-Year-Old Mom Breaks American Marathon Record

January 21, 2022

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By the time we’re 30, most of us probably feel like our peak physical days are behind us. Sports played in high school and college may be little more than fond memories, and our time is taken over by work and family obligations.

That wasn’t the case for Keira D’Amata, though. As a 37-year-old mom of two, she’s decided to push herself in the sport of running and see just how far she can take things.

As Keira shared in an interview with TODAY, she ran when she was younger and was looking to do something fun for herself. She decided to start running again in her late 30s and recently tackled the Houston marathon – and won!

Not only did Keira burst across the finish line first, but she actually set a new record for the fastest marathon run by an American woman, coming in at 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 12 seconds.

Needless to say, she was shocked when she realized her accomplishments.

A NEW AMERICAN RECORD! 2:19:12 for Keira D’Amato!! pic.twitter.com/FCI5CK7RXz

— FloTrack (@FloTrack) January 16, 2022

In a post shared on Facebook, Keira said:

“This morning, with a little help from my friends, I set the American Record for the Marathon running 2:19:12. I’m confused, pumped, exhausted, proud, in disbelief, sore, more confusion, excited- I could list the roller coaster of emotions for days… but the thought I keep coming back to is how proud I am that I found the courage to give running a shot again and attempt to tackle all this ‘unfinished business.’ Goals, similar to marathons, can be scary as crap… but again, with a little help from my friends, we had the courage to try.”

Previously, the record for the fastest marathon run by an American woman was held by Deena Kastor, who completed the race in 2 hours, 19 minutes, and 26 seconds back in 2006.

Keira is proud of what she’s achieved, though she’s still having a hard time believing it. According to TODAY, she plans to continue improving and hopes to qualify for the Olympics.

She said, “The Olympics have been a dream of mine ever since I can remember. I remember in fourth grade: What do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be an Olympian. It’s something that transforms through all sports and I want to be a part of that. 2024 watch out.”