"This is a tremendous opportunity for race participants and the Lynchburg community. To have an Olympian visit our race brings this event to another level. A big Thank You to Centra for making this possible." -- Jeff Fedorko, Race Director

Photo by www.photorun.net: Joan Benoit Samuelson running in the 2007 TD Banknorth Beach to Beacon 10K road race in Maine.

The Lynchburg Road Runners announced today that Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson will visit Lynchburg as the Guest of Honor for this year's Virginia 10 Miler sponsored by Genworth Financial.

Samuelson's appearance is made possible through a generous donation by regional health care system Centra. This is Centra's second year as a major corporate sponsor and another example of Centra's commitment to the health and well-being of the central Virginia region.

Olympian Samuelson will share her story of grace, courage and determination with runners at pre-race activities on September 26, 2008. Her motivational speech will coincide with a packet pickup and pasta dinner Friday, September 26, at E.C. Glass High School. On Saturday, September 27, she will run as a participant in the Virginia 10 Miler event.

The winner of the first Olympic women's marathon at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Samuelson is synonymous with the increased popularity of long distance running in the United States. In April, she competed in her final Olympic marathon trials in Boston, setting the American record for the women's 50-54 age group while winning the hearts of the spectators in Boston.

Samuelson won the 1984 Olympic Trials Marathon at age 26 and went on to win the first women's Olympic Marathon in Los Angeles. She was ranked No. 1 in the world in the marathon on two occasions, and is a former world and U.S. record holder in that event. She was the 1981 U.S. 10,000M champion and the 1984 U.S. women's marathon champion.

The 35th Annual Virginia 10 Miler, 4 mile race, and Amazing Children's Mile, sponsored by Genworth Financial, will continue to be the highlight of the Lynchburg Road Runner's Summer Race Series and serve as a regional championship for the Road Runners Club of America. The first Virginia 10 Miler occurred in Lynchburg in 1974 with 188 runners participating. In 2007, more than 1,100 runners completed both the 10 Miler and 4 mile events. The race will begin at 8:00 a.m. Saturday, September 27, at E.C. Glass High School, and proceeds will benefit the Coalition for HIV Awareness & Prevention (CHAP).

Please visit our Web site for additional information.