Marla Runyan

Marla Runyan
Personal information
Full nameMarla Lee Runyan
National teamUnited States
BornJanuary 4, 1969 (1969-01-04) (age 57)
Alma materSan Diego State University
Height5 ft 7 in (170 cm)
Spouse
Matt Longergan
Sport
Coached byMatt Lonergan
Achievements and titles
Olympic finals2000 Sydney 1500m
World finals1999 Seville 1500m
Medal record
Women's athletics (track and field)
Representing the  United States
Paralympic Games
1992 Barcelona 100 m B3
1992 Barcelona 200 m B3
1992 Barcelona 400 m B3
1992 Barcelona Long Jump B3
1996 Atlanta Pentathlon P10-12
1996 Atlanta Shot Put F12
Pan American Games
1999 Winnipeg 1500 m

Marla Lee Runyan (married name Lonergan; born January 4, 1969) is an American track and field athlete, road runner, and cyclist who is legally blind. She is a six-time Paralympic medalist in track and field, two-time Olympian in track and field, and Paralympian in para-cycling. She was the first legally blind athlete to compete in the Olympics and is the only American to compete in both the Olympics and Paralympics.

Runyan's accomplishments include three back-to-back national titles in the 5,000 meters and top American finishes at the Boston, Chicago, and New York marathons. She formerly held the American records in the 800m event of the heptathlon and 20k road race, as well as the highest American woman finish in the 1500 meters at the Olympics. She currently holds numerous para-athletics world and national records in sprint, long distance, and field events.