Long Distance Runner; Women's World Record Holder in the 50K; Speaker & Advocate for Healthy Sports Competition

Charlevoix, MI, USA
Live Event: $30,000 - $50,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info

Des Linden Biography

Des Linden grew up in San Diego and discovered distance running as a way to test her limits and her resolve. She graduated from Arizona State University and turned professional in 2006, launching one of the longest and most respected careers in American distance running. Known for her durability, candor and no-nonsense approach to the sport, Linden has built a reputation as an athlete who thrives when conditions are toughest.

She is best known for winning the 2018 Boston Marathon, a race run in punishing cold, wind and rain that highlighted her trademark grit and tactical patience. The victory made her the first American woman to win Boston in more than three decades. Linden is also a two-time Olympian and has represented the United States on multiple world championship teams. In 2021, she expanded her résumé by setting a world record in the 50-kilometer distance, underscoring her range and longevity as she moved beyond traditional marathoning.

Over nearly two decades at the elite level, Linden has become a respected voice in the sport, admired not only for her performances but also for her advocacy for clean competition, athlete longevity and mental resilience. She has been open about the realities of professional running, including injuries, setbacks and the discipline required to stay competitive year after year, earning her a loyal following well beyond the running community.

Linden is the author of "Choosing to Run," an inspirational memoir that weaves her personal story with reflections on motivation, perseverance and the daily decision to keep showing up. The book mirrors her approach to racing: honest, practical and grounded in hard-earned experience.

A self-described bourbon and coffee aficionado, Linden lives in Michigan with her husband, Ryan, and their dogs, Atlas and Boston. Whether competing, writing or speaking, she continues to influence the sport by redefining what it means to endure, adapt and keep running on one’s own terms.

BOOK Des Linden

Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 01/26/2026.

Des Linden Videos

Des Linden: Is Her Trail Running Chapter Just Beginning?

Des Linden: Is Her Trail Running Chapter Just Beginning?

Des Linden joins us live in Olympic Valley the week before the 2025 Western States 100 for a wide-ranging conversation about her deepening ...

Des Linden | American Masters Marathon Record holder

Des Linden | American Masters Marathon Record holder

Go behind the scenes with Des Linden in her quest to become America’s newest Masters Marathon Record holder. Follow her journey leading up to the...

An Evening With Des Linden

An Evening With Des Linden

Des Linden interview with Julie Culley on the Choosing to Run Book Tour.

  • How do I book Des Linden to speak at my event?

    Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Des Linden for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Des Linden, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Des Linden or any other speaker of your choice.
  • What are the speaker fees for Des Linden

    Speaking fees for Des Linden, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Des Linden are $30,000 - $50,000 for live events and available upon request for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Des Linden, click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
  • What topics does Des Linden speak about?

    Des Linden is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Athlete, Author, Olympic Athlete, Running, Sports, Sports Motivation
  • Where does Des Linden travel from?

    Des Linden generally travels from Charlevoix, MI, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent.
  • Who is Des Linden’s agent?

    AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully booked keynote speakers like Des Linden for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Availability button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Des Linden for your next private or corporate function.
  • What is a full-service speaker booking agency?

    AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Des Linden or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
  • Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?

    If you’re looking for the best, unbiased speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.

Des Linden is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Des Linden for your event is $30,000 - $50,000. Des Linden generally travels from Charlevoix, MI, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Blake Leeper, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Suzy Favor, Maya Moore and Molly Seidel. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Des Linden for an upcoming live or virtual event.

Tell us about your event!

During normal business hours, we respond to most inquiries within 4 hours.
Please Select Event Budget
Please enter your message
Please Enter Your Name
Please Enter Your Email
  • Customized Service

    Our agents find the right fit for your event

  • Unparalleled Database

    Full access to all speakers & celebrities

  • One Stop Shopping

    A reliable and unbiased point of contact

  • Logistics Management

    Your personal Logistics Manager who takes care of all event details

This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.

All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.

If you are the talent and wish to request a profile update or removal from our online directory, please submit a profile request form.

TOP