MaKenna Thurston
Residence: Inver Grove Heights, MN
Date of birth: 10/07/2000
Hometown: Nicollet, Minnesota
Occupation: Sales/Coach
College: Minnesota State University, Mankato - Degree and Graduation year: sports management and psychology 2024
Favorite Pre-Race Meal: A turkey deli sandwich with mustard and Enerza Endurance Fuel!
Favorite Pump-Up Song: Hurts so Good: John Mellencamp
Funniest Mid-Race Thought: “A crisp dill pickle would taste good right now”
Personal Bests
800m
15,00m
1 Mile
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2:08.44
4:25.19
4:43.30
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Achievements
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Multiple times Conference Champion
Multiple times D2 All American
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MaKenna is originally from the small town of Nicollet, Minnesota, where she competed in track and cross country for Nicollet/Lake Crystal Wellcome Memorial. Her high school highlights included competing twice at the state track and field meet in the 4x800m relay, and setting a school record in the 4x800.
She attended MSU-Mankato, where she was a Northern Sun Conference Champion in the 1500m, and placed 7th at the NCAA DII Indoor Championships in the Mile. In cross country, she was 4th in the NCAA DII Central Regional Championships. She finished college with personal bests of 2:08.44 (800m), 4:25.19 (1500m), and 4:46.27 (mile).
After completing her college eligibility, MaKenna raced the Mini-Apple Night of Miles professional race, where she placed 3rd in a personal best of 4:43.30. She will continue to compete in the 800m, 1500m, and mile, as well as possibly exploring some longer distances and cross country.
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Makenna joined Minnesota Distance Elite in August 2024.