Former UALR runner Leah Thorvilson will compete in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials Marathon on Jan. 14 in Houston.

Thorvilson was the anchor that led the UALR women’s cross country team to their first-ever Sun Belt Conference Championship title in 2001 and again in 2002.

She is among approximately 250 runners who have qualified to compete in this year’s marathon trials.

“I am ranked 48th going into the race, to shed a little realistic perspective on my chances,” she said.

“Anything can happen or they wouldn’t run the race, but I am mostly just looking for an amazing experience and hopefully a fast time for myself. Lining up with all the best marathoners in the country will be truly amazing.”

The top three women at the trials will make the Olympic marathon team. Qualifying times will most likely require a time of under two hours and thirty minutes.

Thorvilson is an active member in the UALR Alumni Association, having served on the annual “Taste of” planning committee, and the Trojan’s Lettermen’s Association for athletic alumni.

This is the first time in history that the men and women marathon trials will occur at the same location within minutes of each other. The men’s race will begin approximately 15 minutes ahead of the women.