Joan Ullyot (nee Lamb, July 1, 1940 – June 18, 2021) was an American physician, author, and runner.

[7] She also wrote a column in Runner's World magazine,[8] and consulted and lectured on women's nutrition and fitness.

[9] When the IOC program committee asked for "further studies on the physiological and psychological effects of competitive marathon running on women" in April 1980, Ullyot compiled medical evidence to make the affirmative case for including the marathon in the Olympics.

[10] In response, the IOC program committee approved the marathon at their next meeting in February 1981.

[12] Ullyot was inducted into the Road Runners Club of America Distance Running Hall of Fame in 2019.