Boston Marathon: Calli Hauger-Thackery runs 2026 race while 22 weeks pregnant

Hauger-Thackery has found the support along her journey “really nice and special”, whether coming from fellow runners, spectators lining the route or those closest to her.

There have been some negative comments, from “people behind the keyboard”, but Hauger-Thackery said: “I just try to not let them get to me.

“I know my body and I know what’s right for me, and I spoke to my doctors, they all know my story and they’re really supportive.

“There’s been more research than ever before on why you actually should run while you’re pregnant, especially if it’s all you’ve known.”

Long-distance stars Paula Radcliffe, Liz McColgan and Sonia O’Sullivan all continued their running careers around having children.

“You just see incredible running mums before me who have been there done it and now come back. And they’re even better than ever before, after pregnancy,” Hauger-Thackery said.

Looking to start a family while remaining in sport is something many now aim for.

Manchester United’s Celin Bizet Donnum recently revealed she was pregnant, taking time away from the pitch, while England’s Rugby World Cup-winning captain Zoe Stratford is expecting her first child.

In light of this, Hauger-Thackery believes attitudes are changing and she wants to show women “can do both”.

“It means so much to me. We can be a mother and also shoot for these crazy big goals, more than ever. It’s definitely not going to scare me away from any goals,” she said.

“I think, if anything, it’s going to push me to show my son what is possible. I just think that makes it even more meaningful for me and I’m just honoured and excited to be a part of that space.”

Hauger-Thackery has no more races planned for now, saying she’ll be “putting her feet up for a bit”.

She said: “The post-marathon recovery takes on a whole new level when you’re 22 weeks pregnant.”