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.[1]

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.[1][2]

Professional career

In 1984, she ran the inaugural women's Olympic marathon trials where she finished fourth, missing a spot in the Olympic games.[3] In 1985, she won the Boston Marathon in a time of 2:34:06.[4] An American did not win the Boston Marathon again until 2018.[5] In 1988, Rainsberger finished fifth in the 10,000 m and fourth in the marathon at the Olympic Trials.[6] 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.[1] In 1990, she was third in the London Marathon. In 1992, for the third time, she finished fourth in the marathon at the U.S. Olympic Trials. In 1996, she competed in her last marathon Olympic trials, finishing 19th.[7]

Rainsberger transitioned to triathlon with the “sole goal” of qualifying for the 2000 Summer Olympics.[2] She finished sixth at the USA Triathlon Pro National Championship in 1997.[8]

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.[9]

Achievements

Year Competition Venue Position Event Notes
Representing the  United States
1984 US Olympic Marathon Trial Olympia, Washington, United States 4th Marathon 2:33.10
1985 Boston Marathon Boston, United States 1st Marathon 2:34:06
1988 US Olympic Trials Pittsburgh, United States 5th 10,000 m 32:15.88
Pittsburgh Marathon (US Olympic Trials) Pittsburgh, United States 4th Marathon 2:31:06
Chicago Marathon Chicago, United States 1st Marathon 2:29:17
1989 Chicago Marathon Chicago, United States 1st Marathon 2:28:15
1990 London Marathon London, England 3rd Marathon 2:28:16
Hokkaido Marathon Sapporo, Japan 1st Marathon 2:31:29
1992 Houston Marathon (US Olympic Trial) Houston, United States 4th Marathon 2:33:32
1993 Twin Cities Marathon Minneapolis, United States 1st Marathon 2:33:38
1996 US Olympic Trials Columbia, United States 19th Marathon 2:38:44
1997 USA Triathlon Pro National Championships St. Joseph, United States 6th Triathlon 2:08:09

1989 American records in the 10-mile and 15k

Personal

Rainsberger lives in Colorado Springs with her husband, Bud. She has four children.[9] One of her daughters is runner Katie Rainsberger.[10]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Ludovise, Barbie (July 13, 1989). "Weidenbach Staying on Track Toward Goal of Olympic Team". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  2. ^ a b writer, Bert Rosenthal, Associated Press. "Former runner sees triathlon as her ticket to Olympics". New Bedford Standard-Times. Retrieved January 9, 2026.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  3. ^ Powers, John (April 13, 2007). "Before US drought came a worthy reign". The Boston Globe.
  4. ^ Bickelhaupt, Susan (April 14, 2005). "It's a fun run this time". The Boston Globe.
  5. ^ "Boston Marathon: Desiree Linden becomes first American woman to win Boston Marathon since 1985". BBC. April 16, 2018. Retrieved April 16, 2018.
  6. ^ "1988 Olympic Trials Agate Results" (PDF).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  7. ^ "U.S. Olympic Trials Women's Marathon" (PDF).{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  8. ^ "Schu's/USAT Pro National Championship". www.ny.airnet.ne.jp. Retrieved January 9, 2026.
  9. ^ a b https://www.washingtontimes.com, The Washington Times. "Rainsberger can take it easy for a change". The Washington Times. Retrieved January 9, 2026. {{cite web}}: External link in |last= (help)
  10. ^ Footsteps: Lisa and Katie, Rainsberger are Colorado's distance running duo, Mile High Sports, Dan Mohrmann, May 7, 2016. Retrieved September 25, 2018.


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