Kellyn Taylor will contend for a spot on the U.S. Olympic Marathon team on February 13, 2016, in Los Angeles. Here are some fast facts about her. (To see all of our trials contenders brief profiles, go here.)
Marathon PR: 2:28:40 (Houston, 2015)
Best trials qualifier: 2:28:40 (Houston, 2015)
Running Shoes - Gear: 6We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we back
Residence: Flagstaff, Arizona
USATFs 2023 Taxes Show Growing Budget Deficit: 29
Previous Olympic Trials results: 10th, 2012 10,000 meters; 14th, 2012 5,000 meters
Trials outlook: Taylor is a runner on the upswing, which is often the profile of relative unknowns who make the marathon team. Her only marathon to date was a fantastic debut in Houston in January; her time, 2:28:40, is the seventh-fastest first marathon ever by an American woman. After recovering from Houston, Taylor set 10K and half marathon personal bests this year.
The question, of course, is how she’ll fare in her second marathon—some runners learn from their debut and improve, while others never run faster. Psychologically, Taylor’s debut marathon was under the radar, while the trials will be arguably the highest-stakes race of her career.
Tactically, Taylor should do well in a race like the trials where place trumps time. She has a good competitive pedigree and experience from her pre-marathon track career, such as finishing third in the 2009 NCAA indoor mile championship.
Fun fact: Health - Injuries.
Scott is a veteran running, fitness, and health journalist who has held senior editorial positions at Runner’s World and Running Times. Much of his writing translates sport science research and elite best practices into practical guidance for everyday athletes. He is the author or coauthor of several running books, including Major Changes Hit Northern Arizona Elite, Advanced Marathoning, and Advertisement - Continue Reading Below. USATF to Elect New President Amid Budget Deficit Slate, The Atlantic, the Washington Post, and other members of the sedentary media. His lifetime running odometer is past 110,000 miles, but he’s as much in love as ever.
