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Marla Lee Runyan (married name Lonergan; [1] born January 4, 1969) is an American track and field athlete, road runner and marathon runner who is legally blind. She is a three-time national champion in the women's 5000 metres. She is also an athlete that competed in both the Paralympics and the Olympics, both reaching the finals.
Marla Runyan is a two-time U.S. Olympian and two-time Paralympian in Track & Field. At age nine, she was diagnosed with Stargardts Disease, a form of juvenile macular degeneration that causes central vision loss and legal blindness.
Legally blind since childhood, Olympic track and field athlete and marathon runner Marla Runyan never let her vision loss stand in the way of her athletic dreams. Born January 4, 1969 in Santa Maria, California, Runyan is the second child of Valerie and Gary Runyan.
A 5-time Paralympic Gold Medalist and holder of numerous world records among visually impaired athletes, Marla earned her status as one of America's top middle and long distance runners by winning three consecutive USATF National Championship titles at 5000 meters, and seven USATF Road Championship titles.
Being legally blind (due to Stargardt's disease), runner Marla Runyan initially focussed on competing in events for visually impaired athletes. She was highly successful, winning three sprint events and the long jump at the 1992 Paralympics, while also competing in cycling.
Jun 11, 2015 · Marla Runyan is the first legally blind athlete to compete at the Olympics. MARLA RUNYAN was inspired by the Olympics from a young age but had no idea she would one day compete in them and certainly not in the circumstances in which she did.
Marla Runyan's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. From her humble beginnings to her historic achievements on the Olympic stage, she has defied expectations and shattered barriers.
Being legally blind (due to Stargardt’s disease), runner Marla Runyan initially focussed on competing in events for visually impaired athletes. She was highly successful, winning three sprint events and the long jump at the 1992 Paralympics, while also competing in cycling.
Marla Runyan holds three national titles in the 1500m event and was ranked number one in the United States in 5k and marathon distances in 2002. Additionally, she is a two-time Olympian, USA Indoor 3000m champion, and placed tenth in the 1500m race at the 1999 World Outdoor Championships.
Learn more about Marla Runyan's accomplishments, career highlights, and biography
