Olympic gold medal winner Joan Benoit-Samuelson visits UNE

In 1984 Joan Benoit-Samuelson won gold in the women’s marathon at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. It was the first time in the history of the Olympics that a marathon event was held for women.

Prior to that race she won the Olympic marathon trials in Olympia, Washington. Another competitor in the race was UNE’s Anne-Marie Davee, M.S., R.D., L.D., assistant clinical professor, Nutrition.

Benoit-Samuelson recently joined her fellow runner for a “Nutrition for Runners” workshop on UNE’s Biddeford campus.

Davee told the runners in the audience that fruits, vegetables and whole grains should make up the majority of their calories while training.

“Complex carbohydrates are high-test fuel for your body,” she said.

For the day of the race, she says staying hydrated is key.

“Make sure your body has all the fluids it needs for peak performance,” Davee said.

The workshop is part of UNE’s involvement as a sponsor of the 2018 TD Bank Beach to Beacon 10K on August 4. 

This year marks the 21st edition of the race that Benoit-Samuelson founded. She says she is thrilled to be part of a race where all runners can join world class athletes on the course.

“My biggest joy is pulling spectators off the sidelines and having them become participants,” she said.

University of New England President James Herbert, an avid runner, welcomed Benoit-Samuelson to campus. He is hoping to run the Beach to Beacon this year, but he’s nursing a hamstring injury.

“One of the first things I did when I arrived in Maine was sign up for the Beach to Beacon. I had so much fun running it last year, and I very much look forward to hopefully running it this year,” he said.

President Herbert says he will definitely be at the race, either as a participant or spectator.

UNE has several more events planned in advance of the race, including strength conditioning, team runs on the full course and training runs.

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions