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For National Girls and Women in Sports Day, we are spotlighting Margo Malone, the female winner of the 2023 DICK'S Sporting Good Marathon. On May 7, 2023, Margo finished the DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon with a time of 2:41:58 and since then has been a huge part of helping support the running community. Margo talks about her participation in sports, what motivates her, and what she hopes for the future of women’s sports.

How did you first get involved with running?

I was introduced to running in fourth grade when I joined the St. Teresa Cross Country team. My mom was our coach, and she played a big role in teaching me the joy of the sport. She made practices fun, but also instilled the value of working towards goals. She enjoyed coaching every runner on the team, regardless of where they finished in a race. I carried the excitement and pure love for running she taught in grade school throughout my running career.

What motivates you the most?

I feel most motivated by the desire to test my limits and try to get a little better each day.

What is your favorite thing about running?

I have a lot of favorite things about running.

• One of my favorite things is the people you meet and friends you make in the sport. There is nothing like the bond you create with teammates over many miles of runs (without phones!). I was lucky to have my sisters as teammates and training partners my whole life and I am so thankful for the connection running gave us.
• I also love how running makes me feel free, strong, powerful, and allows me to dig deeper than I think I can, especially at the end of a race!
• In my current life phase, one of my favorite things about running is how it can help you decompress, clear my mind, and process my thoughts. I always feel more productive at work and home after a good run.

Who is your biggest role model?

My mom. Sadly, she passed away from cancer in 2021, but she inspires me every day to be more like her. She impacted everyone she met with her positive spirit and appreciated the sweet things in life like spending time with family and friends, creativity, and running/being active

What is the most important thing running has taught you?

Running is an incredible sport because you can continue doing it at many stages of life (and speeds). It also teaches many skills that are transferable to life outside of running. The three things that running instilled that I find most important in my everyday life are

• Dedication to big goals and hard work
• Resilience to keep moving forward after setbacks
• Courage to dream big and believe in myself

How do you see running becoming more inclusive for young girls?

It is so important for girls to support each other in the sport at any level. I think the best thing is to encourage each other and be willing to share insight and advice to young girls. The sport can become more inclusive by providing more opportunities for young girls of any ability or background to join a team, have access to shoes and running clothes that will support them through their development, and be exposed to positive female coaches and role models in the sport.

What advice do you have for young female athletes?

• Believe in yourself
• Trust your training
• Treat your body with respect (it is the engine that powers you!)
• Find running buddies (they will be your best friends for life)
• Consistency is the best thing for improvement
• Remember, running is fun!