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Gabby Thomas has been humorously called out by Ilona Maher after suggesting they run a marathon together sparking laughs online as the Olympians embraced unique roles at the NYC Marathon.
American rugby union player Ilona Maher has humorously voiced her doubts about running a marathon following an Instagram poll by fellow Olympian Gabby Thomas that asked fans if the two should take on the long-distance challenge.
Both women attended the New York City Marathon over the weekend in special roles with Maher serving as a confidence coach backed by Maybelline and Thomas leading the way as the event's Grand Marshal.
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19:15 - 03.11.2024
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Maher, who helped the USA win bronze in rugby sevens at the Paris Olympics, did not hold back her feelings after Thomas, the three-time gold medalist sprinter, posted the open question on her Instagram story: "Should @ilonamaher and I run a marathon?" with the options "Heck Yes" or "Stick to your sports."
Maher’s response came with humor and a healthy dose of realism.
"That would be terrible but also hilarious," Maher quipped, adding a light-hearted but cautious note to the idea of two Olympians known for short, intense performances tackling 26.2 miles.
Although neither athlete seems likely to actually lace up for a marathon anytime soon their banter and presence at the NYC Marathon brought a buzz of excitement.
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17:00 - 02.11.2024
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Maher spent much of the day cheering on runners and lifting their spirits as the event’s confidence coach, a role she partnered with Maybelline to fill.
The partnership, Maher noted, is not just about motivation but about inspiring athletes to feel bold and confident—just like she does every time she rocks her signature lipstick.
“The marathon is moving along smoothly. I’m getting inspired—I’m ready to cry! Everyone is just working their tails off, running miles and miles. It makes me want to run, but I won’t!” Maher said in an Instagram story, blending admiration for the runners with her own humor and honesty.
“I’m rocking my lipstick as always; it makes me feel bold and confident, and I hope these runners feel that way too.”
Meanwhile, Gabby Thomas, who recently capped off her 2024 track season with a win at the women-only Athlos NYC 200m event, was thrilled to serve as the Grand Marshal for the NYC Marathon.
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10:00 - 04.11.2024
Millions Sheila Chepkirui, Abdi Nageeye pocketed for winning New York City Marathon
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Draped in a stylish black-and-white ensemble and a blue sash that read “Grand Marshal,” the Olympic sprinter expressed pride in her role.
"LETS DO THIS NEW YORK!!!" Thomas captioned an Instagram reel highlighting her Grand Marshal experience, with the video set to an audio track calling her “fearless, heroic, authentic, iconic, the greatest of all time.”
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Thomas, a five-time Olympic medalist, has expanded her horizons off the track recently, delving into fashion ventures and making public appearances, all while embracing her leadership role within the sports community.
Her glamorous persona at the marathon was a departure from her usual intense track-ready look, signaling her adaptability and the broader range of her ambitions.
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10:53 - 04.11.2024
'You are so special to me!'- Evans Chebet declares after second-place finish at New York City Marathon
Despite a narrow loss to Abdi Nageeye in the 2024 New York City Marathon, Evans Chebet remains grateful to the streets of New York as he eyes a grand return in 2025.
The friendship and playful rivalry between Maher and Thomas have become a refreshing aspect of both athletes’ public lives.
Maher, who has graced the celebrity roster of *Dancing With the Stars* this season, brings her humor and down-to-earth personality to social media, often making light of the challenges and quirks of being an elite athlete.
Though Thomas has made no indication that the marathon challenge is serious, the lighthearted exchange between the Olympians underscores the spirit they bring to their respective sports—and to new endeavors that keep their fans engaged.
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