Running News Daily

A Profile of Grit, Versatility, and Untapped Potential

Emily Durgin’s name may not yet be a household one in global distance running, but among those who follow American road racing closely, she has earned deep respect for her steady rise, racing range, and professionalism. With standout performances in the 10K, half marathon, and marathon, Durgin has shown she possesses the tools to become a lasting force in the sport.

Originally from Maine, Durgin was a nine-time conference champion at the University of Connecticut before making a name for herself on the professional circuit. Her breakout year came in 2022, when she ran 1:07:54 for the half marathon in Houston — one of the fastest times ever by an American woman. She followed that up with a marathon personal best of 2:26:46 at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 2023, finishing as the top American.

In early 2024, she placed ninth at the U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials and went on to win the USATF 10-Mile Championship in Washington, D.C., with a blazing 51:26 — the fastest time ever by an American in a women-only race at that distance.

While she had planned to run the Valencia Marathon in December 2024, Durgin did not start the race due to a hamstring issue and a problem sleeping.  In a recent social media post she feels she is putting these issues behind her and plan on racing again soon.  But she says she is listening to her body and do not want to come back until her body is ready to race at the elite level. 

At age 30, she’s in the prime years for a distance runner — and with her ability across distances and proven toughness on the roads, Emily Durgin remains a name to watch.