Going for the Gold: Joan Benoit Samuelson shares her story

May 31, 2019

About two-thirds of today’s Bellin Run participants are women – but there was a time, not that long ago, when women were a bit more hesitant to run. Joan Benoit Samuelson, a four-time Bellin Run champion, three-time Boston Marathon champion, and the 1984 Summer Olympics Marathon gold medalist, played a key role in changing that.

The 61-year-old marathon legend doesn’t let age stop her. Just this year, Samuelson participated in and completed the Boston Marathon, 40 years after her historic win, in a 3:04 – within 30 minutes of her 1979 victory time. From slalom skiing to the passage of Title IX, the Boston Marathon, and the Olympic Games, Samuelson has much to share about the world of running as a woman.

Samuelson will be at the YWCA of Greater Green Bay from noon-1 p.m. Thursday, June 6 to tell her tale of pioneering and advocacy for women in running. This event is free and open to the public. A light lunch will be served.

Details:
When: Noon-1 p.m. Thursday, June 6
Where: YWCA Auditorium, 230 S. Madison St., Green Bay
Free and open to the public

In addition, the YWCA is taking donations of new or gently used running apparel and shoes for their new initiative, the Family Runner’s Locker. The Family Runner’s Locker is making physical activity accessible to all by providing fitness apparel to those in need.

Join our event here.