Inspiring Generations: Celebrating the First Women's Olympic Marathon Trials

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.

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.

Cheryl Treworgy, the first woman in the world to break 2:50 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. 

Check out our event swag--T-shirts, stickers and mugs: https://my-store-f4e5c0.creator-spring.com/.

All proceeds from swag 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! https://nicolesbar.com/

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.

https://www.capitalcitymarathon.org/?fbclid=IwAR2KtWHkA4jcwKSH5dLtKnlNS3MNhRYvHebxTw9UjLS-TtlhtDsSLhaCXMU

If you prefer to donate directly to Bras for Girls, you may do it here: https://www.brasforgirls.org/products/bras-for-girls?variant=39792983212113

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/141446152570044/user/100071043761370

On Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/marathontrialstribute/

The Olympia Trials Legacy Committee will be hosting a banquet dinner and other events from May 16-17, 2024. Please visit their site for more information. https://www.facebook.com/share/8pFVSFu2y6S6p861/?mibextid=9VsGKo

Thank you to our sponsors: 

Vantage Physicians: https://vantagephysicians.net/our-practice/

Essential Direct Primary Care: https://www.essentialdpc.com/p/dpc.html

Capital Perks Espresso: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057501885876

msgs CARVE Architects: https://carvearch.com/

Magnolia Beauty Salon and Spa.

Pay What You Can Primary Care: https://www.paywhatyoucanprimarycare.org/

Steamboat PT: https://www.steamboatpt.com/

Surgical Associates: https://www.olympiasurgery.com/