Erika Kemp
Women's Marathon
Qualifying Time: 2:33:57
Qualifying Race: 2023 Boston Marathon
Date of Birth
01/26/95
Age on Race Day
29
Current Residence
Providence, RI
Hometown
Mount Holly, NJ
High School
Rancocas Valley Regional High School
Current Affiliation
Brooks Running
Marathon PB
2:33:57
First Trials qualification
No
Previous Trials
2021 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track and Field, 5,000m and 10,000m)
Number of attempts to qualify
1
College(s)
North Carolina State University
Career Highlights
1st, 2021 USATF 20K National Championships; 1st, 2019 USATF 15K Road Championships; 6-time NCAA All-American in cross country, indoor and outdoor track.
Family
I don't come from a running family but have always been well-supported by friends, teammates, coaches and others along the way. My partner is my biggest fan and helps me keep perspective and stay motivated to chase my dreams even though he's stationed overseas so we only get to see each other every few months.
Greatest Accomplishment
Personally, professionally and in running, one of the greatest senses of accomplishment I've experienced thus far was black women of all ages reaching out after seeing me run the Boston Marathon, saying they loved seeing me up there in the professional field. Some even want to run it now, too!
Interesting Story
Long runs have always been and still are my least favorite part of training as a distance runner and the path I've chosen as a professional runner/marathoner has me confronting that demon on a regular basis (especially on race day).
Favorite Book
Big Girl Mecca Jamilah Sullivan
Favorite Movie
Shutter Island
Favorite TV Show/Series
Great British Baking Show
Favorite Song
Blind Spot by Stray Kids
Favorite Post-race Indulgence
Hot shower
Favorite Breakfast
Bagel
Favorite Motivational Quote
"Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts." - Winston Churchill
Favorite Running Memory
My college team winning ACC Cross Country when I had a terrible day personally and didn't even make our top 7! There was so much good to celebrate despite my personal disappointment.
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