20 unbelievable years' - Jenny Simpson shares heartfelt goodbye

American running legend Jenny Simpson bids an emotional farewell at the New York City Marathon, reflecting on her 20-year career and the overwhelming support she received from fans in her final race.

Dance is perhaps the perfect way to describe the journey Jenny Simpson has shared with the track a graceful yet powerful rhythm she has sustained over two decades.

From high school tracks to international stadiums, Simpson’s career has embodied dedication, resilience and a spirit that inspired countless fans.

After a career spanning 20 years, Simpson ran her final race at the New York City Marathon, clocking in at 2:31:54 and finishing 18th among elite runners.

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With this milestone, she ended her storied career surrounded by adoring fans who cheered her on until the last stride.

Reflecting on her final race, Simpson took to Instagram to express the overwhelming love and gratitude she felt from the crowd in New York.

“I made my first USA team in 2004. It’s been 20 unbelievable years. After I finished the marathon today, I was trying to tell Jason about all the love I got on the course. 26.2 miles of almost nonstop love,” she wrote, describing the emotion of the day.

“So many people thanking me for my career and celebrating the last race with me. I couldn’t get through telling him about it without bawling. I don’t think any other city in the world would have given me love like you did, NYC.”

Simpson’s journey to athletic greatness began with her exceptional high school career, where she claimed five state titles in track and three in cross-country.

As a collegiate runner, she dominated the NCAA, winning the 2006 Outdoor Championship in the steeplechase and setting NCAA records in multiple distances.

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But it was on the world stage that Simpson truly made her mark, representing the United States in three Olympic Games and capturing medals in both the World Championships and the Olympics.

In 2011, she became the first American woman in three decades to win gold in the 1500m at the World Championships, an accomplishment that cemented her status as a trailblazer for American middle-distance running.

Simpson’s final race was not about winning or setting records—it was about celebrating a career that has inspired a generation.

In her own words, “I feel so grateful, so tired from the race, and so lucky to have so many friends in the sport. Some of whom I don’t even know!!! Congratulations to the AMAZING athletes both ahead of and following me today. 54,000 of you!!! Wow, what a ride.”

Simpson’s achievements go beyond the medals and records. She has held the American record in the 3000m steeplechase and has claimed 11 individual American national titles.

A four-time NCAA Division I champion and the 2014 Diamond League 1500m champion, Simpson’s career has been a beacon of excellence in American middle-distance running.

But her influence resonates beyond numbers and accolades as she has been a role model for young runners, proving that persistence, passion, and humility can pave the way to greatness.

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Her husband, Jason, and her fans were there every step of the way, making her final race in New York a fitting farewell.