Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit-Samuelson

The third annual Great Falls Fitness Seminar, “An Evening with Joan Benoit Samuelson,” will take place on Tuesday, April 29 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Franco Center in Lewiston.

The event is appropriate for seasoned runners looking to improve performance, as well as beginning runners and those just thinking about getting into running. Dr. Paul Cain of Central Maine Orthopaedics will emcee the event. Samuelson will begin the evening with an address at 6 p.m., followed by a Q&A with a panel of running experts, including Dr. James Timoney, Dr. Elizabeth Rothe, and Eric Gosselin of Select Physical Therapy.

Representatives from the Dempsey Challenge, Greater L/A Triple Crown, Bands on the Run, Androscoggin Hospice House 5K and Lamey Wellehan will be on hand with a variety of health and wellness information. Shoe donations will be accepted by Lamey Wellehan. Prior to the event, Benoit-Samuelson will lead a fun run at 4 p.m., starting from a location to be announced.

Presented by Central Maine Orthopaedics (CMO), Select Physical Therapy and Central Maine Sports Medicine, the event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited and advance registration is required. To register, email rsvp@cmogroup.org. Those interesting in the fun run must also register at this address.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Joan back to our third annual Great Falls Fitness Seminar,” said Michael H. Cox, Ph.D., CEO of Central Maine Orthopaedics (CMO). “We were very pleased with the success of the first two Great Falls Fitness Seminar, featuring Joan Benoit and then Rebecca Rusch. We think Joan’s passion for fitness and running is an inspiration to the running community.”

Joan Benoit-Samuelson’s name is synonymous with women’s running. She began running track in high school in Cape Elizabeth and then continued at Bowdoin College, where her career soared. She received All-American honors in cross-country and track and won the Boston Marathon in 1979, setting an American and course record, all before she graduated.

Samuelson won the Boston Marathon again in 1983, this time breaking the world record. One year later, at the age of 27, she won the gold medal in the first women’s marathon at the Los Angeles Olympics. In 1985, Samuelson won the Chicago Marathon with an American record time of 2:21:21.

“Whether an individual is trying to get into shape, preparing for their very first road race, or is an experienced runner trying to beat their best performance, there will be something here for everyone,” added Dr. Cox. “Guests will learn about training techniques, both mental and physical, and the best ways to deal with and prevent common injuries associated with running.”

For more information about the event, call 783-1328 or see www.cmogroup.org.