Shalane Flanagan Not Planning to Race 2019 Boston Marathon

By Adam Kopet

Nick Zaccardi of NBC Sports reports Shalane Flanagan is not planning to race the 2019 Boston Marathon.

Flanagan's name was noticeably absent when the Boston Marathon organizers announced the US elite field for the 2019 race. Her name not being on the list, however, was not a certainty that she would not be on the start line in April.

Only a few days later, it seems more likely Flanagan will not be in Boston in 2019. Flanagan is reportedly taking a break from heavy training and considering doing more to work with her Bowerman Track Club teammates. She ran as a pace maker in Shelby Houlihan's 5,000-meter American record race this summer.

Should Flanagan continue her racing career active for the next two years, she could become the third oldest female Olympic marathoner in US history at 39. The 2020 US Olympic Trials Marathon is Feb 29, 2020 in Atlanta.