Joan Benoit Samuelson to run in Santiago's Itaú Medio Maratón

Olympic legend Joan Benoit Samuelson will participate in the Itaú Medio Maratón de Santiago 2026 in Chile. The 69-year-old American athlete, who won the first women's Olympic marathon gold medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Games, will attend the event as a Nike ambassador.

Samuelson is scheduled to run a 7K distance alongside approximately 6,000 women in Ñuñoa on Sunday, August 30. Her visit includes several scheduled activities, such as Nike-organized meetings on Friday, a Shakeout Run and a private talk on Saturday, and participation in the Run Fest on Sunday.

Her historic 1984 victory is noted for helping to dismantle prejudices regarding women's participation in long-distance running. Her presence in Santiago aims to share her experience with new generations of female runners.