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Dot McMahan

@dotmcmahan

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Hansons-Brooks athlete since 2005
What if it all works out

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See these exclusive interviews with Dorothy "Dot" McMahan and El McMahan after they made history at the 2026 Ryan Shay Mile on Saturday, July 25, in Charlevoix.

Eighteen years ago, Dot won the inaugural Ryan Shay Mile in 4:35. This past weekend, her daughter, El, captured the same title, winning in 4:43.

Just minutes later, Dot added another memorable Ryan Shay Mile performance to her career, finishing in 4:44.

El will begin her senior season at Rochester Adams this fall, while Dot continues competing professionally with the Hansons ODP team.

Watch the full-length interviews on RunMichigan's website. Link in bio. by @dotmcmahan

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3 months ago

A SIXTH TRIP TO THE U.S. OLYMPIC MARATHON TRIALS SECURED ✅

At 49 years old, @dotmcmahan just ran 2:36:24 at the @chevronhoustonmarathon to qualify for her sixth marathon trials.

Her history:
2008 | 8th place in 2:35:02 at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston

2012 | 9th place in 2:32:16 at the 2012 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Houston

2016 | 33rd place in 2:44:19 at the 2016 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Los Angeles

2020 | 96th place in 2:43:39 at the 2020 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Atlanta

2024 | 51st place in 2:38:34 at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials in Orlando.

Joan Benoit Samuelson, the 1984 Olympic marathon champion in Los Angeles, finished 90th at the 2008 U.S. Olympic Marathon Trials — the same race in which Dot McMahan placed eighth. In 2028, McMahan will line up in the race to select the next U.S. Olympic team bound for Los Angeles.

📸 @kevmofoto taken in Houston, Texas by @dotmcmahan

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9 months ago

Here’s what I’ve learned: Imperfect training mixed with positive internal dialogue can reach goals.

“You’re good”
“This is fun”
“Stay on the gas”
“You belong here”
“Keep fighting”
“What would you tell El?”
“This is your race to win!”

It was a thrilling race with a pack of 5 ladies through halfway. If you’ve run the Crim 10 mile, you know the hills are in the second half of the race. By mile 7, it was down to 2 of us with 3rd place still within striking distance. At mile 8, we were pushing the pace and catching a few men. By mile 9, we dropped the pace another 10 seconds per mile. As we approached the last turn, a 1/4 mile from the finish line, I dug even deeper within myself to have a chance to win.

Things don’t always work out in my favor. There’s an inherent risk-reward nature of racing. It’s why I still show up. I love the competition.

Thanks to @crim_events, @hansonsbrooksodp and @brooksrunning for supporting my passion. Back-to-back wins with a 1-second course PR of 55:47. I am deeply grateful to be here doing what I love.

📸 @pkaphoto_ by @dotmcmahan

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a year ago

The McMahan family Fire Cracker Mile tradition almost didn’t happen this year. I stepped off a high curb while running that caused my pelvis to twist and push forward. Training came to a halt and without great care from @clint_verran_sports_medicine, this race would have not happened. I thought I had @elmcmahanruns safely behind me but she closed like a monster and nearly caught me. Her pacing was definitely better than mine! 4:52.77 and 4:53.85 placing 3rd and 4th. 2026 will be something to see. Thanks to our friends who came to cheer, @ames_2153 @_carlywilkes @carolinegarrett_ @sarahdisanza and to @mcmahan8200 for being team manager and photographer 😘 taken in Clawson, Michigan by @dotmcmahan

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a year ago

Today marks an incredible milestone as we celebrate @dotmcmahan’s 20-year journey with Hansons Brooks ODP – and what perfect timing that it falls on #GlobalRunningDay!🏃‍♀️

What makes Dot truly special isn’t just her longevity – it’s her ability to keep evolving. From 800m speedster to marathon master, she’s proven that the best athletes aren’t just talented, they’re relentlessly dedicated to growth.

Two decades with the same team, two decades with @brooksrunning – a legendary partnership in our sport.

While many are just starting their careers or ending them, Dot continues to show up, keeps pushing boundaries, and amazingly keeps getting FASTER.

After 20 years of competitive marathoning, she’s still setting PRs and proving that passion never ages.

Here’s to an athlete who embodies everything Global Running Day represents: the joy, dedication, and relentless pursuit of becoming your best self, one mile at a time.

Isn’t she lovely? And happy Global Running Day to those who celebrate!

#GlobalRunningDay #20Years #HansonsBrooksODP #BrooksRunning #Marathon #ProfessionalRunner #Inspiration #RunningLegend #StillGotIt taken in Rochester Hills, Michigan by @dotmcmahan

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a year ago

One more Boston Marathon post (for now) because I loved seeing former teammates Des Linden and Dot McMahan running side by side in today’s race. Today was Linden’s last pro marathon and she finished it the way she started, running alongside McMahan. (Sorry for the poor quality on photo number two—no time to hunt down the original.)

Photo one by @runninphotog taken in Boston, Massachusetts by @dotmcmahan

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a year ago

Team victories for our women’s team and mixed team. Personal victory for me as I ran my second fastest 8k. Eyes on the @bostonmarathon.

@hansonsbrooksodp @brooksrunning

photos by @kevmofoto taken in Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle by @dotmcmahan

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2 years ago

I'm thrilled to introduce @elmcmahanruns as our newest member of the sub-5 1600 club! Her dedication to this goal since 8th grade has been inspiring. For a deeper look into her journey, I encourage you to follow her on Instagram and Strava. What's stood out to me, though, is the remarkable community that's supported her along the way - fellow runners, teammates, parents, friends, and coaches who've provided encouragement and motivation. My sincerest gratitude to all of you. Happy National Girls and Women in Sport Day! by @dotmcmahan

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2 years ago

Year 48, marathon #22 @chevronhoustonmarathon. Despite the fact that some wild cold wind derailed a stab at a PR, there’s still plenty to celebrate. 2:35.04 is my fastest time in 10 years coupled with a shocking 7th place!!!! You know your girl negative split it too. I’ll be fired up until April when I take on the @bostonmarathon for the 6th time. As always @brooksrunning keeps us running happy with an invitation to the Brooks Future Run program with some fun Q & A. Special thanks to my team & coaches who constantly support my eccentric dreams @hansonsbrooksodp. Major appreciation for @honeystinger for the best fuel on the market. photo credit to @janemonti26.2 @justinbritton by @dotmcmahan

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2 years ago

It’s a privilege to train with @hansonsbrooksodp and to celebrate their successes, it’s a privilege to share this journey with my husband and daughter, it’s a privilege to be a part of something bigger than myself. Thank you @indymonumental, @brooksrunning and @hansons_running for supporting my second fastest half marathon 1:12:28 at the age of 48. Photo credits @pkaphoto_ and @h20_carter by @dotmcmahan

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2 years ago

@indymonumental 13.1 tomorrow morning! 🏁

The last time these ladies were at Indy, @dotmcmahan won the marathon in 2:35:30 (2019) and @stephsherm20 was 11th (2023).

Start: 8am EST

#indymonumental
#indymonumentalhalf
#halfmarathon
#marathoner taken in Indianapolis, Indiana by @dotmcmahan

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2 years ago

Love this girl! by @dotmcmahan

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2 years ago