Legends Joan Samuelson, Greg Meyer & Amby Burfoot To Run Boston Marathon

By David Moni
Race Results Weekly
March 25, 2013

Three of Boston Marathon’s best-known champions —Joan Samuelson, Greg Meyer, and Amby Burfoot— plan to run this year’s race on Monday, April 15, organizers announced last week.

Samuelson, 55, won the 1979 and 1983 Boston Marathons before winning the Olympic Games Marathon in Los Angeles in 1984. She will return to Boston on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of her 1983 victory, the race in which she established a world best of 2:22:43.  Samuelson has run the previous two Boston Marathons in the open (not elite women’s) field, clocking 2:51:29 in 2011 and 3:28:08 in 2012, when she ran with daughter Abby.

Like Samuelson, Meyer, 57, will celebrate the 30th anniversary of his 1983 victory.  Burfoot, 66, who just ran his 50th consecutive Manchester Road Race last November, will mark the 45th anniversary of his Boston Marathon win in 1968.

Article continues below player.

“We are honored by the presence of our past champions, and we welcome them back to Boston with great pride,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. Executive Director. “Winning the Boston Marathon is a career milestone that all of our champions cherish for a lifetime. They are also extremely engaging individuals who liven up any celebration that they attend, and we look forward to celebrating their achievement and showcasing them at our events throughout Boston Marathon weekend. It will be fun to have them here.”

Samuelson, Meyer and Burfoot are all part of the John Hancock Financial Services’ Elite Athlete Team; Hancock provides the financial support and management of the race’s elite athletes.

Related
Want More? Join The Supporters Club Today
Support independent journalism and get:
  • Exclusive Access to VIP Supporters Club Content
  • Bonus Podcasts Every Friday
  • Free LetsRun.com Shirt (Annual Subscribers)
  • Exclusive Discounts
  • Enhanced Message Boards