Lisa Rainsberger

Lisa Larsen Rainsberger, previously known as Lisa Larsen Weidenbach, (born May 7, 1961) is a distance runner, swimmer, and triathlete. She is the only American woman to win both the Boston Marathon and Chicago Marathon. Rainsberger was a three-time alternate for the U.S. women’s marathon team at the Olympics, and also qualified for the Olympic trials in the 10,000 m and in swimming. She is a member of the University of Michigan Track and Field and Road Runners of America Halls of Fame.

Early life

While in high school in Battle Creek, Michigan, Rainsberger won competitions as a swimmer in the Individual Medley, qualifying for the 1980 Olympic Swimming trials, and later competed on scholarship as an All-American swimmer in college at the University of Michigan. Due to the 1980 Summer Olympics boycott, Rainsberger joined the track and cross country team and was a two-time All-American in track and cross country.

Professional career

In 1984, she ran the inaugural women's Olympic marathon trials where she finished fourth, missing a spot in the Olympic games. In 1985, she won the Boston Marathon in a time of 2:34:06. An American did not win the Boston Marathon again until 2018. In 1988, Rainsberger finished fifth in the 10,000 m and fourth in the marathon at the Olympic Trials. Rainsberger won the Chicago Marathon back-to-back in 1988 (2:29:17) and 1989 (2:28:15). In 1989, Rainsberger also broke the national records in the 10-mile and 15k.

Rainsberger transitioned to triathlon with the “sole goal” of qualifying for the 2000 Summer Olympics.

Rainsberger retired in 1998 due to injury and pregnancy. She has since become a coach, and has coached for the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program and the U.S. Paralympic Track and Field team.

Achievements

1989 American records in the 10-mile and 15k

Personal Rainsberger lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Bud. She has four children.