The BMW Dallas Marathon is set to welcome over 30,000 runners this weekend, marking a significant increase from previous years. In 2019, the event attracted around 15,000 participants, while in 2021, the number rose to 26,000. Among this year’s competitors is Dakotah Popehn, an Olympian who showcased her talents at the 2024 Paris Olympics and will be running in the half-marathon.
Popehn, who previously competed under her maiden name, Lindwurm, is known for her impressive marathon credentials, including holding the 19th fastest marathon time by an American woman. With her participation, the event gains an extraordinary level of prestige, as past ambassadors like Meb Keflezighi and Deena Kastor did not run in the half or full marathon.
In anticipation of the race, Popehn expressed her excitement about visiting Dallas for the first time. “There’s no better tour than a 13-mile long run,” she said. Her presence at the event highlights the continuing “running boom” that has emerged in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge in interest has led to record-breaking entries in major races worldwide, such as the New York City Marathon and the London Marathon.
Popehn’s participation is not only a personal milestone but also a reflection of the evolving landscape of distance running. Athletes now compete in a variety of conditions, and Popehn’s training in the harsh winters of Minnesota has prepared her for the challenges she might face during the race. “You’re not going to hit the splits that you want,” she advised fellow runners. “But knowing that what you’re not getting out of it in a physical aspect, you’re gaining a lot in a mental aspect.”
The half-marathon was added to the BMW Dallas Marathon weekend in 2003, with the current course record standing at 1:11:32, set by Romanian runner Nuta Olaru in 2008. Given Popehn’s personal record of 1:07:42, she is well-positioned to challenge that record.
Popehn’s rise to prominence began when she finished third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Orlando in February 2024. At the Paris Olympics, she secured 12th place, clocking in at 2:26:44, and was the first North American to finish. With a personal best of 2:24:20 set in Chicago, Popehn ranks among the fastest American marathoners.
Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized the importance of consistency in training. “The single most important thing has been consistency and not having to take time off due to injury,” Popehn noted. Her experience serves as a reminder to aspiring athletes that opportunities can arise at any level, regardless of the prestige of their collegiate program. Popehn attended Northern State University, a small Division II school, and found success through hard work and dedication.
As runners gear up for the BMW Dallas Marathon, they will no doubt draw inspiration from Popehn’s achievements and her insights into overcoming challenging training conditions. “When things are hard, especially in mile 20 of a marathon, think back to all the hard things you did in your training block,” she advised. Her presence in Dallas not only elevates the marathon but also embodies the spirit of perseverance and achievement that defines distance running today.
