“I don’t think any other city in the world would have given me love like you did, NYC. It was perfect to wrap it all up here with all of you.” Olympic bronze medalist Jenny Simpson wrote after the 2024 New York Marathon. The middle-distance runner capped off her two-decade-long running career at one of the world’s most iconic marathon courses and couldn’t be happier. That’s because whether it was during or after the race, Simpson felt the love of the track and field community.

“I was trying to tell Jason about all the love I got on the course. 26.2 miles (42.16 km) of almost nonstop love.” Simpson wrote in her thank you post for the fans. However, the track and field world wasn’t done celebrating the Olympian. Fellow Olympic icon and seven-time gold medalist Allyson Felix commented on the post. “Congrats!!! An incredible career,” wrote Felix.

Although Felix, the most decorated track and field athlete, specialized in the 100m, 200m, and 400m events, she and Simpson were contemporaries who had represented the Stars and Stripes at the Beijing, London, and Rio Olympics. Felix and Simpson were also part of the Team USA roster at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, where Jenny Simpson won gold in the 1500m event.

However, besides fellow runners, fans of the athlete and members of the community also celebrated the athlete. “Legend. First ballot Hall of Famer.” commented one longtime fan. However, the athlete’s next adventure may just seal her spot in the National Track and Field Hall of Fame. While Jenny Simpson has retired from competing, she and her husband won’t stray from the sport.

Next year, Jenny Simpson, her husband, and their two Jack Russell Terriers, Truman and Barkley, plan to hit the roads. However, the couple’s year-long road trip and indulgence in van life will only bring them closer to track and field. The Olympian and her husband hope to visit all 50 states, exploring the unique running culture in different regions of the USA.

“Through this journey, we hope to show that America’s beauty is not just in its landmarks, but in its people and the unique places they live, run, and explore.” the 38-year-old said about her future plans. The middle-distance runner had also announced her plans to retire ahead of the New York Marathon. Maybe that’s why the fans found the opportunity to support and celebrate the runner during and after her final competition.

How the fans honored Jenny Simpson

“It feels right and it feels so perfect that I’m going to race the New York City Marathon. I know I wanted to do that in my career. It’s just the right timing,” the former 1500m world champion told CITIUS Mag days ahead of her final race. Comments such as “Congrats on a wonderful running career! You’re one of my favorite athletes,” filled the comments section. And Jenny Simpson also recalled how fans showed up to cheer her on Sunday.

Jenny Simpson recalled how fans had lined up almost the entirety of the 26.2-mile course through the five boroughs. They egged on the runner as she made her way through the World Marathon Majors course. In fact, the Olympian didn’t even know she had so many fans. “I don’t think any other city in the world would have given me love like you did, NYC,” the 38-year-old wrote.

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Even those who couldn’t make it to New York City noticed the outstanding support Simpson received on Sunday. “I watch the motorcycle feed and all you could hear was feet on the pavement and the crowd yelling your name. Well done!” commented one fan who caught the Olympic bronze medalist’s 18th-place finish on the live broadcast.

Meanwhile, another fan was happy that the runner got to end her career while fulfilling her dream to run at the New York Marathon. “Amazing Jenny!!! What an incredible career you have had and well done going out on your own term,” commented the Instagram user, praising Jenny Simpson’s performance at her first and final New York Marathon.

The 38-year-old also expressed her gratitude toward the community that gave her such a beautiful send-off. “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!!!” The Olympian wrote in her post. And while the track and field won’t be able to enjoy watching Simpson on the track anymore, they’ll be eagerly waiting for the athlete to take on a unique journey in 2025.