Emma Bates
United States

Emma Bates (born July 8, 1992, in Elk River, Minnesota) is a distinguished American long-distance runner, specializing in the marathon. A 12-time All-American at Boise State University, she clinched the 2014 NCAA title in the 10,000 meters. Bates turned professional in 2015, initially joining the Boston Athletic Association's High Performance Team. In 2018, she made a remarkable marathon debut by winning the USATF Marathon Championships at the California International Marathon with a time of 2:28:18 . Her marathon career has since flourished, highlighted by a second-place finish at the 2021 Chicago Marathon (2:24:20) and a personal best of 2:22:10 at the 2023 Boston Marathon, where she finished fifth overall and was the top American woman . After sustaining a foot injury during the 2023 Chicago Marathon, Bates withdrew from the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials. Nonetheless, she returned to compete in the 2024 Boston Marathon, finishing as the top American woman for the second consecutive year with a time of 2:27:14. Currently, Bates trains in Boulder, Colorado, with Team Boss under coach Joe Bosshard and is sponsored by Asics . Known for her resilience and engaging presence, she continues to be a prominent figure in American distance running.
Personal Bests
Half Marathon
1:08:21
3/16/2025
Road Race
36:17
8/18/2024
Marathon
2:22:10
4/17/2023
Marathon
World Athletics Championships, Oregon 2022
2:23:18
7/18/2022
10,000 Metres
Track Meet
32:04.59
5/14/2021
Recent Mentions

Jason and Kevin discuss the favorites and dark horses for the 2025 Boston Marathon, including Evans Chebet, Sisay Lemma, Conner Mantz, Hellen Obiri and Emma Bates. Then the guys chat about the return of Athing Mu, Fred Kerley and Noah Lyles podcasting about each other and the newest iteration of super shoes.

The 2025 Boston Marathon promises an exciting blend of redemption stories, debut intrigue, and head-to-head rivalries across both elite fields. On the men’s side, defending champion Sisay Lemma returns after last year’s audacious front-running victory, facing off against 2024 Chicago champ John Korir, two-time Boston winner Evans Chebet, rising Kenyan Daniel Mateiko, and U.S. hopeful Conner Mantz. Other contenders include Lesotho’s Tebello Ramakongoana and Americans Clayton Young and CJ Albertson, each hoping to outlast the pack or capitalize on race-day chaos.
In the women’s race, Hellen Obiri is chasing a rare three-peat in Boston, entering as the clear favorite despite a strong field. She’ll be challenged by past podium finishers Amane Beriso and Sharon Lokedi, 2:16 marathoner Yalemzerf Yehualaw, and rising marathon star Irene Cheptai. The American field is led by Keira D’Amato in her Boston debut, Emma Bates returning to form, and Dakota Popehn riding Olympic momentum. Young talents like Gabi Rooker, Jessica McClain, and Jackie Gaughan round out a promising domestic squad, with veterans Des Linden and Sara Vaughn adding experience to the mix.
Cooler temperatures, slight winds, and the Newton Hills promise another unpredictable Patriot’s Day. Tactics, toughness, and timing will determine who claims the tape on Boylston.
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Emma Bates Believes She Can Win The 2025 Boston Marathon, Says She’s Fitter Than Ever
CITIUS MAG
4 days ago
Emma Bates shares about her training and race goals heading into the 2025 Boston Marathon. Emma Bates | 2:22:10 Personal Best (Boston 2023) "Emma Bates missing the 2024 Olympic Trials is one of the biggest “what ifs” in recent American track history. Until a torn plantar fascia derailed her run, Bates had a well-earned reputation as one of the most consistent American marathoners and was coming off a personal best in Boston the prior spring. She was able to return to racing later in 2024 but clearly wasn’t back to her usual self, finishing 12th in Boston and 11th in Chicago after not missing the top ten in her first eight marathons. But Bates is coming off a 1:08:21 half marathon PB at the NYC Half, and all indications suggest she’s back to full strength. Don’t be surprised if she’s hanging tough with the leaders through the Newton hills." FULL PREVIEW: https://citiusmag.beehiiv.com/p/2025-boston-marathon-elite-fields-preview Race results information and live tracking will be available on the Boston Marathon app. FOLLOW CITIUS MAG ▶ Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/3Byp72I ▶ On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ On Instagram: http://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ On Facebook: http://facebook.com/citiusmag ▶ Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag ▶ On our website: http://citiusmag.com For other inquiries, contact us: chris@citiusmag.com

Chris Chavez, Eric Jenkins and Aisha Praught-Leer will preview all of the top athletes and storylines to watch for the men's and women's elite races at the 2025 Boston Marathon. Sisay Lemma, Hellen Obiri, John Korir, Sharon Lokedi, Evans Chebet, Conner Mantz, Clayton Young, Yalemzerf Yehualaw, Edna Kiplagat, CJ Albertson, Zach Panning Amane Beriso, Yalemzerf Yehualaw, Keira D’Amato, Sara Hall, Emma Bates, Dakotah Popehn are among the notable stars competing at the historic race. We will also share our picks at the end of the show. HOW TO WATCH THE RACE ON TV: All the Marathon Monday action gets underway on April 21st with pro races beginning at 9 a.m. The professional men’s field starts at 9:37 am E.T. and the pro women at 9:47 am E.T. Locally, the race will be viewable live on TV or online at WCVB-5. If you’re not in Massachusetts, the race will be shown live on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 9:00 a.m. ET. PRESENTED BY PUMA – Show presented by PUMA | The all-new Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3 is here — and it's built to move you faster than ever before. Crafted with cutting-edge design + backed by science from UMass Amherst, this race-day shoe delivers a 3.15% boost in running economy (vs. the Fast-R 2) — which could mean shaving over 4.5 minutes off a 3-hour marathon time. Designed for serious speed. Proven to change the game. Get your edge. Lace up in the Fast-R NITRO™ Elite 3. A limited global drop will go live on PUMA.com, in PUMA flagship stores and in select retailers across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia and Australia from Friday 25 April. Follow CITIUS MAG ▶ Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/3Byp72I ▶ On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ On Instagram: http://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ On Facebook: http://facebook.com/citiusmag ▶ On our website: http://citiusmag.com For partnership or sponsorship inquiries: chris@citiusmag.com Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, and subscribe! #bostonmarathon

Watch Emma Bates effortlessly execute 7x(3K on 1K float) for 28k worth of work. This workout was her final hard effort before she looks to take on the 2025 Boston Marathon. Presented by @COROSGlobal Website: http://flosports.link/3p20lTj Subscribe: http://flosports.link/3p4YLQp Get the FloSports iOS app: http://bit.ly/FloTrackiOSApp_9 Follow FloTrack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloTrack Twitter: https://twitter.com/flotrack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FloTrack

Hear from Sharon Lokedi, Fiona O'Keefe, Emma Bates, Emily Sisson, and Dakotah Popehn following the 2025 NYC Half! Website: http://flosports.link/3p20lTj Subscribe: http://flosports.link/3p4YLQp Get the FloSports iOS app: http://bit.ly/FloTrackiOSApp_9 Follow FloTrack Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FloTrack Twitter: https://twitter.com/flotrack Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/FloTrack

Emma Bates Talks Prepration for Boston Marathon After 6th Place in NYC Half
CITIUS MAG
about 1 month ago

One year after the late Kelvin Kiptum obliterated Eliud Kipchoge’s previous world record by 34 seconds, running an almost unfathomable 2:00:35, Ruth Chepngetich topped that. Her astounding time of 2:09:56 is one of the greatest running performances in history, makes her the first woman to run under 2:10 in a marathon, and lopped one minute and 57 seconds off Tigist Assefa’s old world record.
On the men’s side, Kenya’s John Korir notched his first-ever World Marathon Majors victory in 2:02:44. (What a time for the sport of marathoning we’re in right now, where a 2:02 showing is basically a footnote!)
Hosts:
Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Preet Majithia | @prm_32 on X
Time Stamps:
Ruth Chepngetich:
1:31 - Breaking down her 2:09:56 world record
9:40 - More on her running history + Chicago victory
13:52 - Stats + analysis on her record
Skepticism surrounding Chepngetich’s world record:
19:01 - Training factors
22:27 - Potential for doping
25:48 - Chepngetich being questioned in the press conference
37:19 - Language barrier
39:35 - The press center during the marathon
American women:
41:21 - Susanna Sullivan, 7th/1st American, 2:21:57
42:57 - Lindsay Flanagan, 9th/2nd American, 2:23:31
44:33 - Keira D’Amato dropping out due to injury
45:13 - Emma Bates, 11th/3rd American, 2:24:00
Men’s race:
47:18 - John Korir, 1st in 2:02:44
50:06 - More on the top finishers
American men:
53:25 - CJ Albertson (7th/1st American, 2:08:17) and Zach Panning (10th/2nd American, 2:09:16)
Final thoughts:
56:15 - Feedback on the broadcast
1:06:29 - CITIUS live at the Toronto Waterfront Marathon
Mentioned in this episode…
Read: Tweet by Steve Magness comparing Ruth Chepngetich’s world record to equivalent performances
Watch: Interviews with some of the top stars from the Chicago Marathon
Watch: Chicago Marathon full replay
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Emma Bates after running 2:24:00 to place 11th in the women’s field at the 2024 Chicago Marathon. She was the third American finisher behind Susanna Sullivan and Lindsay Flanagan. FOLLOW CITIUS MAG ▶ Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/3Byp72I ▶ On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ On Instagram: http://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ On Facebook: http://facebook.com/citiusmag ▶ Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag ▶ On our website: http://citiusmag.com For other inquiries, contact us: chris@citiusmag.com Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, and subscribe! Help us continue to bring track and field to your home and become a member today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjyDlyHPHLhcIT8ov53d5qg/join

"We’ll see what happens. We’ll all find out on Sunday.”
A brief chat with Keira D'Amato, Emma Bates and Sara Hall before the 2024 Chicago Marathon.
Unfortunately did not have the time to catch Betsy Saina.
From our race preview on CITIUSMAG.com: The American showdown may become a chase for Emily Sisson’s American record, as three of the five fastest women in U.S. history will be on the start line alongside 2021 Chicago runner-up Emma Bates, Chavez’s pick to take down the record. Keira D’Amato, who held this record for just under nine months in 2022, will be racing 26.2 miles for the first time since moving to Utah to train with coach Ed Eyestone. We won’t know until Sunday exactly what her and Eyestone’s race plan looks like, but don’t be surprised if she’s in the mix for the top American crown.
2024 U.S. leader Betsy Saina, whose fifth-place finish in Tokyo in 2:19:17 was a huge leap forward, figures to be a prominent player as well. 2016 Olympic 1500m champion Matthew Centrowitz is set to be pacing this pack as they go after 2:18:29, so that will be something to keep an eye on even if the leaders are well ahead.

Emma Bates Believes She Is In 2:18/2:19 Shape Before 2024 Chicago Marathon, Discusses Race Plan
CITIUS MAG
6 months ago
Team Boss's Emma Bates ahead of the 2024 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, October 13th. Find our full Chicago Marathon preview here: https://citiusmag.com/articles/chicago-marathon-preview-2024 FOLLOW CITIUS MAG ▶ Subscribe to the podcast: https://apple.co/3Byp72I ▶ On Twitter: http://twitter.com/CitiusMag ▶ On Instagram: http://instagram.com/citiusmag ▶ On Facebook: http://facebook.com/citiusmag ▶ Support us on Patreon: https://patreon.com/citiusmag ▶ On our website: http://citiusmag.com For other inquiries, contact us: chris@citiusmag.com Thanks for watching - please like, share and comment, and subscribe! Help us continue to bring track and field to your home and become a member today! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjyDlyHPHLhcIT8ov53d5qg/join


"I was surprised and really proud people were chanting 'USA!' just like they were last year chanting my name. And I’m like they 'Do know I’m not gonna win this right?' But there was so much excitement. I feel like they really wanted it for me and still believe I could do something really special on that day so that was huge. When you’re completely crumbling and people are still in awe of you that’s wild, that’s again what makes Boston a unique and special place."
My guest for today’s episode is Emma Bates fresh off another top American finish at the Boston Marathon in 2:27:14. For much of the first 20 miles, Emma led the pack with the confidence of a seasoned marathoner.
You could not even tell that she was forced to heartbreakingly scratch from the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials due to a torn plantar. Before the race, she told me that she was confident in her fitness and believed she was back stronger than ever.
Race day proved all of that. With every high-five exchanged and every cheer echoing in her ears, she talks about how she drew strength and excitement from the crowd in Boston. Even though, she won’t be competing in the Olympics, her spirits is undiminished and plans to continue on her marathoning journey with a renewed sense of purpose.
Host: Chris Chavez | @chris_j_chavez on Instagram
Host: Emma Bates | @emmajanelbates on Instagram
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You asked for it, and you are getting it! Des and Kara recorded this freshy fresh Boston Marathon recap at 10:15 pm on Marathon Monday after just enough beers. The most important detail, perhaps, is that they shut down the bar at the end of this one. They were literally kicked out of the Sam Adams Taproom in downtown Boston to end the show, the perfect mic drop after an epic weekend of racing for the two of them.
You will hear the full back story on Kara’s successful mission to #destoryColt, including the complete shock to her system to navigate the challenges of the mass start. Bib pickup… “how does that work?” Gear check… “wait, what?” Lining up 20+ minutes early to be positioned well for the start… “this is crazy.” Despite these new hurdles, she “destroyed” Colt’s PR by 7 seconds to finish in 18:50 and declare open season on the new hashtag #destroyKara as Colt now seeks his revenge.
Then, of course, you hear highlights from Des’s 11th Boston. Des talks about the difficulty of being marathon-sharp after a full weekend of events, shares her pre-race meal and pre-race vibes, and details the key moments in the race, including the words exchanged with Emma Bates when she caught the lead pack again at mile 15. Along the way, Kara gives her thoughts and emotions as the ultimate Des fangirl watching from the finish line on Boylston for the first time.
Finally, they finish with the “Underbird” underdog of the week segment (sponsored by Oiselle), discussing an unlikely athlete who again made huge waves at the front of the race at the age of 44.
Thank you to Oiselle for sponsoring this episode. Use code NOBODY10 for 10% off at oiselle.com for some amazing running apparel from Kara's sponsor!

Chris Chavez, Kyle Merber and Eric Jenkins will preview all of the top athletes and storylines to watch for the men's and women's elite races at the 2024 Boston Marathon. Evans Chebet, Hellen Obiri, Emma Bates, Sharon Lokedi, Zouhair Talbi, Gabriel Geay, Des Linden, CJ Albertson, Jenny Simpson, Sara Hall are among the notable stars competing at the historic race. We will also share our picks at the end of the show. HOW TO WATCH THE RACE ON TV: All the Marathon Monday action gets underway on April 15th with pro races beginning at 9 a.m. The professional men’s field starts at 9:37 am E.T. and the pro women at 9:47 am E.T. Locally, the race will be viewable live on TV or online at WCVB-5. If you’re not in Massachusetts, the race will be shown live on ESPN2 with coverage beginning at 8:30 am E.T. READ OUR PREVIEW: https://citiusmag.beehiiv.com/p/2024-boston-marathon-preview-evans-chebet-hellen-obiri