Press Release - Chicago Marathon - 10/4/17

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    1984 Olympic Gold Medalist and 1985 Bank of America Chicago Marathon 
 Champion Joan Benoit Samuelson Withdraws from 40th annual Chicago Marathon

Today the Bank of America Chicago Marathon announced that 1984 Olympic gold 
medalist and 1985 Chicago Marathon champion Joan Benoit Samuelson is 
putting her record chase on hold. Samuelson announced this summer that she 
was targeting the 40th anniversary Bank of America Chicago Marathon to 
start the next chapter in her career by becoming the first woman at age 60 
run a sub three marathon. Due to training setbacks as a result of an 
injury, Samuelson will not be competing in this year's race on October 8.

"Joan is a champion, and while we would love to celebrate a new record and 
career milestone with her, we are looking forward to having her here in 
Chicago to cheer on more than 40,000 runners," said Carey Pinkowski, Bank 
of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director. "We are honored any 
time a running icon like Joan comes to Chicago."

"October 8 has been on my calendar for some time, but I need to put my 
goals and my story on hold for now," said Samuelson. "Chicago holds a 
special place in my career, and while I cannot compete this year, I am 
looking forward to cheering on thousands of runners as they chase their 
goals and tell their stories on race day."

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