No Limits

Joan Benoit Samuelson would be famous if she didn't run another step after winning the inaugural Olympic Women's Marathon in 1984. 

A two time Boston Marathon champion and American women's marathon record holder for 17 years, Samuelson is perhaps Maine's most famous and recognizable athlete.   However, it's what she continues to accomplish as a runner and community leader that makes her truly extraordinary.

She founded and continues to help organize the Beach to Beacon 10K road race, which generates $30,000 annually to Maine nonprofit organizations that work with children.  She has written two books, Running Tide and Running for Women, coached women's cross-country and long-distance athletes, and is a motivational speaker and sports commentator.

In 2008, at 50 years old, Samuelson participated in the Olympic Marathon Trials in Boston and met her goal of running under two hours and 50 minutes, setting an American record for her age group.  In 2012, she ran the Boston Marathon in under three hours, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Title IX.

Joan Benoit Samuelson winning the 1984 Olympic Women's Marathon: