Brooks Beasts Track Club

Marta Pen Freitas Pires

A six-time Portuguese National Champion and 2016 Rio Olympian, Marta is one of the most successful Portuguese female athletes all-time. After attending college in the USA, Marta seamlessly made the transition to life as a pro runner and has her eye on representing Portugal at the Olympics for the second time.

Lightning round

How do you calm pre-race nerves?
I remind myself of all the good work I've done. That helps me feel confident.

Any funny race stories?
In 2015 I had the European Team Cup 5 days after having surgery on my left wrist. I realized I had to ask one of my competitors to help me to put my spikes on, because I couldn't do it with just my right hand.

How would you describe your perfect run?
My perfect run would be close to the ocean, on a trail with my teammates. That means that my perfect run can happen whenever my teammates come to Portugal!

“Running changed my life. It allowed me to see the world and meet some of my best friends. It also made me cross the ocean to pursue a degree, then four years later cross the entire country to embrace a professional career.”

Marta Pen Freitas Pires

In her own words

From her hometown in Portugal to training in Seattle, Marta’s social media offers a glimpse of how training, racing, and travelling fit into her life as a pro runner.