SAN FRANCISCO (September 14, 2015) — Strava, the leading global community of runners and cyclists, announces it will sponsor 10 U.S. women who qualify for the 2016 Olympic Marathon Trials through its new Run To Rio Program.

American women who are chasing down a spot at the Trials in February in Los Angeles may apply to receive a $1,500 stipend. While Strava roots for all athletes, this new sponsorship program celebrates a special year for female marathoners.

“We want women to show up at the Trials in full force, to celebrate Joan Benoit-Samuelson and the 237 other women who made history in L.A. in 1984 by racing for a spot on the very first U.S. Olympic Marathon women’s team,” says Larissa Rivers, Strava’s run marketing manager. “We honor the women who’ve paved the way for today’s athletes. Like Strava itself, this program is designed to motivate and support avid athletes as they run down ambitious goals.”

In 1984, Benoit-Samuelson went on to win gold in the inaugural Olympic Marathon with a time of 2:24.52, an Olympic record until 2000. Only three American women—Shalane Flanagan, Desiree Linden and Deena Kastor—have run faster marathon times.

Today’s athlete selection criteria include running performance, community presence and personal story. Both A and B qualifiers are eligible for the stipend. To apply and learn more about the program, visit: http://blog.strava.com/run-to-rio/.

For more information on Strava, please visit www.strava.com.

About Strava

Strava unlocks potential through the power and purpose of sport. Designed by athletes, for athletes, Strava’s mobile apps and website connect millions of runners and cyclists every day. www.strava.com