Track runner Alysia Montano ran the 800m at the US Track and Field Championships on Thursday, even though she is due to give birth to her first child in seven weeks.

Montano finished the race in 2 minutes, 32.13 second, and admitted after that she felt “really, really good” despite finishing last, 120 metres off the pace.

“I've been running throughout my pregnancy and I felt really, really good during the whole process,” Montano said. “I just didn't want to get lapped and be the first person to get lapped in the 800.”

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Despite never being in contention from the get-go, Montano was given a huge round of applause as she ran her way through the first 400m at the Hornet Stadium, and the five-time national champion was urged home by the cheering spectators as their support continued to grow until she crossed the finish line.

She said that her only aim was not to be lapped, and when doctors encouraged her to take part in the race aftershe consulted her physician.

The 28-year-old added: “That took away any fear of what the outside world might think about a woman running during her pregnancy.

“What I found out mostly was that exercising during pregnancy is actually much better for the mom and the baby. ... I did all the things I normally do ... I just happened to be pregnant. This is my normal this year.”