The BMW Dallas Marathon is set to attract over 30,000 runners this weekend, a significant increase from the 15,000 participants in 2019. Among them is Dakotah Popehn, a marathoner who represented the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Popehn will compete in the half-marathon, bringing a high profile to an event that has seen a surge in popularity post-pandemic.
Popehn, who previously competed under her maiden name Lindwurm, is one of the top marathoners in the country, holding the 19th fastest marathon time by an American woman. At the Paris Olympics, she finished 12th with a time of 2:26:44, making her the first North American to cross the finish line. In her upcoming race, she aims to bring attention to the event and inspire other runners.
The running boom following the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced events like the BMW Dallas Marathon, which has grown significantly in participation. Notably, the race weekend has included renowned athletes in the past, such as Meb Keflezighi, Deena Kastor, Shalane Flanagan, and Des Linden. This year, Popehn’s involvement adds a unique element to the event, as she will be racing rather than simply serving as an ambassador.
“I have not been to Dallas,” Popehn shared prior to her arrival. “I’m definitely looking forward to seeing the city. There’s no better tour than a 13-mile long run.”
Popehn’s journey to becoming a prominent marathoner is marked by her determination and the ability to train in challenging conditions. Hailing from northern Minnesota, she has adapted to harsh winters and less-than-ideal training environments, which she credits for her resilience. “The single most important thing has been consistency and not having to take time off due to injury,” she stated. “You can create consistency that yields the results of PRs year after year.”
While she is focused on her performance this weekend, Popehn also reflects on her competitive spirit in relation to her male training partners. She playfully considers the distance required to outrun Cooper Lutkenhaus, a standout from Justin Northwest High School, stating, “I feel like I could catch him in a 10k, but for sure a half-marathon, without a doubt.”
The half-marathon has been part of the BMW Dallas Marathon weekend since 2003 and boasts a course record of 1:11:32, set by Romanian runner Nuta Olaru in 2008. Given Popehn’s personal best of 1:07:42 in the half-marathon, she is expected to challenge this record.
Popehn’s experience also serves as a message to aspiring athletes, especially those who may feel discouraged by not receiving Division I offers. She attended Northern State University, a Division II school, and emphasizes that success is possible regardless of the level of competition. “As long as you’re able to continue the career in some way, Division I doesn’t have to be the only way,” she advised.
As the BMW Dallas Marathon weekend approaches, the excitement builds for both participants and spectators. With athletes like Popehn leading the charge, the event highlights not only the spirit of competition but also the growing global enthusiasm for running.
