Samuelson, 60, had her sights set on the world record books as she targeted a sub 3-hour marathon, something no woman 60 years old or over has accomplished.

The 1984 Olympic Gold Medalist, set two world records during her fantastic marathon career. The first world record was at the Boston Marathon in 1983 when she ran in 2:22.43 and then in 1985 at the Chicago Marathon, completing it in 2:21.21.

“”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.””

Carey Pinkowski, Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director added, ““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.

“Bank of America Chicago Marathon Executive Race Director. “We are honoured any time a running icon like Joan comes to Chicago.””

The post Injury Ends Joan Benoit Samuelson’s Record Dreams at Chicago Marathon appeared first on Fast Running.

Samuelson does have a lot of experience in the marathon, to say the least, and has set the marathon world record twice before.

The first world record was at the Boston Marathon in 1983 when she ran in 2:22.43 and then in 1985 at the Chicago Marathon, completing it in 2:21.21.

The American also won an Olympic gold in the marathon at the Los Angles Olympics in 1984.

Still regardless of past glories, to go for another world record at sixty years of age won’t be easy and the attempt in itself should be commended.

Samuelson said: “Storytelling is important to me and it’s how I motivate myself.

“My race decisions often reflect my narrative. Once I turned 60, I knew that the Chicago Marathon would represent the next chapter in my career.”

The existing 60-64 age group world record is held by New Zealand’s Bernie Portenski, who in 2010, ran 3:01.30 at Gold Coast marathon.

The Olympic win in 1984 was also the first time the women’s marathon featured at the Olympics. See Joan’s famous win below.

Set to join Samuelson in the 40th Chicago marathon are Galen Rupp, a three-time Olympian and Jordan Hasay, who broke the American marathon debut record this year.

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