Olympic gold medalist takes Sarasota by storm

After completeing her normal morning run Wedesday, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic gold medalist and Hall of Fame marathoner, made plans to run just a few hours later at 9 a.m. with her fans — several New College students and members of local track clubs.

After a speech on marathon running and a slideshow presentation Tuesday, May 12, at New College, Samuleson met up with fellow runners Wednesday for a fun run.

In 1979, Samuleson broke the women’s course record for the Boston Marathon. In 1983, she broke the record for the New England race. She was also the first women’s Olympic marathon champion at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games.