Inspirational US woman with double hip replacements finishes marathon in record time
An American woman who underwent double hip replacement surgery has won a Guinness World Records title for the fastest marathon with bilateral hip replacements (female), after completing the 2026 Chevron Houston Marathon in record-breaking time with her pair of titanium hips.
Carrie Bradshaw – a lifelong runner from Houston, Texas, USA – smashed the title on 11 January, less than three years after finishing her two major surgeries.
Thanks to her incredible attitude and hardworking medical team, she finished the race in just 3 hours, 42 minutes, and 31 seconds – and the gigantic smile on her face throughout the entire run was testament to the fact that anything is possible with the power of passion.
“Four years ago, all I wanted was my life back and to walk my kids to school without limping,” she said on Instagram after the race.
“Today, I think it’s safe to say that my comeback ended up being bigger than the setback. Here’s your proof that your best days could be around the corner… even after a hip replacement.”
After such an impressive performance at the Houston Marathon, it’s amazing to think that just a few years ago, Carrie was 40 when she was told by doctors that she may never run again.
She told ABC13 News that before her surgeries, the pain was so unbearable she couldn’t walk – and when she went in for help, they diagnosed her with congenital hip dysplasia, an abnormality at birth that impacts the correct development of the joints.
But Carrie loved running too much to let her dreams go, and she kept looking until she found a doctor that could give her a miracle comeback… in her case, Dr Greg Stocks.
“He was the only doctor who gave me the green light and some hope that I was searching for,” she said. “He said there's a chance you'll run again.”
Carrie lining up before the marathon
Her first hip replacement was performed in November 2022, and her second was completed in April 2023 – and finally, after six months of rest, she was cleared to begin training.
“I feel like a little kid again running around the playground with a body that doesn’t hold me back,” she said on Instagram.
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On 11 January, she took part in that record-breaking marathon, while cheered on by her support system of family, friends, and the incredible medical community that saved her dream.
Dr Stocks and the company that built her titanium hips, DePuy Synthes, were even there at the mile checkpoints to give her a hug and see all of Carrie’s hard work pay off.
“When I went into my first hip replacement surgery in November 2022, I never in my wildest dreams thought that my surgeon would become a part of the family and cheer squad at my marathons,” said Carrie.
“Not only did Dr Stocks literally rebuild me, but 2.5 years later, he continues to show up for my big races to support me and to see his work in action. He is one of the most incredible people I’ve ever known, and I still don’t feel deserving of the support he gives me.”
As Carrie crossed the finish line, she had a gigantic smile on her face – and she raised her arms in the air as she bounced with joy towards the final mark.
With her record-breaking time, she officially qualified herself for the Boston Marathon, and set a precedent in the medical world thanks to her remarkable athletic comeback.
So congratulations, Carrie – you are Officially Amazing!