Qualifying Spots Open in Women’s Marathon

PITTSBURGH — Joan Benoit Samuelson, who has been suffering back and leg problems, agonized for a month over whether she should run in the U.S. women’s Olympic marathon trial today.

Last week, the winner of the 1984 women’s Olympic marathon at Los Angeles finally made up her mind.

“I’m not going,” she said.

Thus, the 15 or so U.S. women with chances of making the team will find themselves competing for three spots instead of two.

Among the competitors are Julie Isphording, a member of the 1984 team, and Lisa Larsen Weidenbach, who placed fourth in the 1984 trial.

Nancy Ditz of Woodside, Calif, who ran at 2:31:36 in 1985, is a highly regarded contender, as is Kim Rosenquist Jones, who has a 2:32:31.

Today, the first three winners will receiver $25,000 in prize money.