LEWISTON — Central Maine Orthopaedics, Select Physical Therapy and Central Maine Sports Medicine have teamed up to host a free public seminar featuring Olympic Gold Medalist, Joan Benoit Samuelson.

The third annual Great Falls Fitness Seminar, “An Evening with Joan Benoit Samuelson,” will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29, at the Franco American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar St. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The event is appropriate for seasoned runners looking to improve performance, beginning runners and those just thinking about getting into running.

Samuelson will also lead a fun run at 4 p.m., starting location to be announced soon.

“We are incredibly pleased to welcome back Joan to our third annual Great Falls Fitness Seminar,” said Michael H. Cox, CEO of Central Maine Orthopaedics. and “we think Joan’s passion for fitness and running is an inspiration to the running community.”

Benoit Samuelson’s name is synonymous with women’s running. She began running track in high school in the town of Cape Elizabeth. Samuelson continued on to 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.

Dr. Paul Cain of Central Maine Orthopaedics will emcee the event. Samuelson will give a presentation 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.

Individuals interested in attending must preregister by emailing rsvp@cmogroup.org. Seating is limited. Individuals interested in participating in the run with Samuelson must also register at the same address.

For more information, visit www.cmogroup.org or call 207-783-1328.