Marathon Handbook Podcast Des Linden & Molly Seidel Go Ultra, a 49-Year-Old Olympic Trials Qualifier, and Ed Sheeran Is a Runner
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Jan 20, 2026 Des Linden gears up for the ultra-challenging Marathon des Sables in 2026, diving into its grueling multi-day format. Dot McMahan makes waves by qualifying for her sixth U.S. Olympic Trials at age 49, showcasing incredible endurance. Meanwhile, Molly Seidel impressively shatters the course record at her ultra debut in the Bandera 50K. The discussion takes a serious turn with Sarah Porter’s removal from the Winter Spine after receiving death threats. To lighten the mood, Ed Sheeran reveals his passion for running, joining a trend of pop stars hitting the pavement.
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Des Linden’s Big Ultra Pivot
- Des Linden is moving from road marathons to extreme multi-day ultrarunning by entering Marathon des Sables in 2026.
- Her past 50K world record and gritty personality make the Sahara challenge a natural, though large, step up.
Dot McMahan’s Sixth Trials Qualifier
- Dot McMahan, age 49, ran 2:36 at Houston to hit the U.S. Olympic Trials standard for a record sixth time.
- She trains alongside much younger runners like Caroline Garrett, showing longevity and cross-generational partnership.
When Real-World Threats Force Race Removal
- Race organizers removed Sarah Porter from the Winter Spine after death threats, highlighting safety limits in long ultras.
- The incident shows how external, non-running risks can force race withdrawal even with security plans in place.