Events
Place
Olympia, WA US 98501
Description
Photo taken by Dick Milligan for the Olympian
Come join Club Oly Road Runners for a Shakeout Run followed by Panel Discussions to Celebrate the First Women's Olympic Marathon Trials.
Club Oly Road Runners, a local nonprofit running club devoted to fostering a love of running and the wellness that it brings, is hosting a celebration of the historic First Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials that took place in Olympia, WA in 1984. This event marked a milestone in the history of women’s running at the Olympic level and we aim to celebrate the women that participated, the community that made it happen, and the future of women’s sports.
The event is a fundraiser for Bras for Girls, a nonprofit organization that donates new sports bras and breast development education booklets to girls in need with the intention of increasing the participation of girls/women in sports, and help us provide some travel expenses for our speakers.
Shakeout Run
Time: 9:00 am
Location: Marathon Park, Olympia, WA. Run will be about 2.5 miles around the lake.
Kaitlin Goodman, coach at Running Joyfully and former pro runner, will be speaking before the start of the run about her experience as a pro-runner and running in past marathon trials. Des Linden and participants from 1984 trials will also be in attendance.
Panel discussions: Olympia Ballroom, 116 Legion Way SE, Olympia, WA 98501
Panel 1: 11:00-12:30 pm
THE HISTORY OF WOMEN'S RUNNING
Featuring:
Retired State Senator Karen Fraser, moderator.
Joan Benoit Samuelson, winner of the first-ever women's marathon at the 1984 Olympic Games, 2-time Boston Marathon Champ
Desiree Linden, winner of the 2018 Boston Marathon and 2-time Olympian, and women's 50K world record holder.
Jacqueline Hansen,1984 trials participant, winner of the 1973 Boston Marathon and first woman to run under 2:40 in the marathon.
Laurel James, the woman with the idea to have Olympia host the first women's marathon trials.
Panel 2: 12:45-2:00 pm
WHAT IS YOUR WHY?
Featuring:
Jesse Stevick, coach at Olympia HS, Baron Park Striders, and Capital City Marathon winner as moderator.
Peggy Kokernot Kaplan, 1984 trials participant, founder first women's track team at Trinity University in San Antonio, and carried the torch 16 miles as part of the relay to start the 1977 Women's National Conference pushing for the Equal Rights Amendment to be enacted.
Ellen Hart, 1984 marathon trials participant, 3rd place finisher in the 1980 Olympic Trials exhibition in the 10,000, lawyer and mom of 3.
Angela French, local athlete, 6-time marathon trials participant, and avid hiker and mountaineer.
Karen Steen, local athlete, 2-time marathon trials participant, 7-time Capital City Marathon winner, and mom of 3.
Linda Huyck local athlete, marathon trials participant, 3-time Capital City Marathon winner.
Panel 3: 2:15-3:15 pm
INSPIRING GENERATIONS, THE FUTURE OF RUNNING
Featuring:
Larry Weber, Pope John Paul II HS and to many local athletes including Karen Steen and Linda Huyck.
Jack Daniels, world famous coach and sports physiologist, and his wife Nancy.
Sal Edwards, 1984 trials participant, triathlete, CEO and founder of Heart Zones, and founder of Fleet Feet.
Rich Brown, local athlete, past trials participant, former coach of Tumwater HS track and XC.
Sara Lopez, 2024 Olympic marathon trials participant and multiple marathon winner.
Events are free to attend, but we encourage you to make a donation at registration for Bras for Girls. We appreciate your help. Everyone who donates will be entered to win raffle prizes.
Check out our event merch--T-shirts, stickers and mugs: Inspiring Generations Merchandise.
All proceeds from merch will go to Bras for Girls!
On Saturday and Sunday (5/18-19) Nicole's Bar will donate a portion of beer sales to Club Oly Road Runners. Be sure to stop by!
If you haven't already done so, please sign up for the Capital City Marathon, Half Marathon, 5 mile races taking place on Sunday, May 19. It will be a great running weekend.
Capital City Marathon
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The Olympia Trials Legacy Committee will be hosting a banquet dinner on Friday, May 17 at Indian Summer Country Club. Register at: Olympia Trials Legacy Committee Banquet Dinner
Thank you to our sponsors:
Magnolia Beauty Salon and Spa.
Inspire Hand and Physical Therapy
Capital Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
Big 5 Sporting Goods
KMAS Radio Station