With hundreds already registered for the 31st annual Wineglass Marathon, race organizers are excited to announce this year's featured guest.
At this year's Wineglass Marathon, the community will welcome American marathon runner Joan Benoit Samuelson. Following a gold medal victory at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, Samuelson rose to international stardom after becoming the first ever women's Olympic marathon champion.
In addition to her Olympic career, Samuelson has an impressive resume that includes multiple victories and top-five finishes at highly competitive races such as the New York City Marathon, Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon. At both the Chicago and Olympic Marathons, Samuelson holds the record for fastest times for an American woman, a title that has been maintained for nearly three decades.
During race weekend, Samuelson will address race participants and the public, with dates and locations to be announced. "I'm excited for this year's Wineglass Marathon and visiting the beautiful Finger Lakes region," states Samuelson. "I feel privileged to share my passion for running with people from all over the country and the visit to this year's race."
Changes for the 2012 race – scheduled Sunday, September 30th – include more than just a larger field of participants. Race directors are pleased to announce a new Saturday Wineglass 5K, a short-distance running event to be held during race weekend. The 5K is expected to draw hundreds from the local communities and continue to add excitement to the marathon weekend.
Participants wishing to register for the full marathon, half marathon and 5K are now able to do so by visiting www.wineglassmarathon.com.