Running News Daily

The global running community is mourning the loss of Nina Kuscsik, a legendary figure whose courage and determination helped redefine the landscape of women’s distance running. Kuscsik passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a legacy that forever changed the sport.

Nina Kuscsik made history in 1972 when she became the first officially sanctioned female winner of the Boston Marathon, finishing with a time of 2:56:04. That victory wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a breakthrough moment for women’s participation in marathon running, occurring in the same year Boston formally allowed female entrants.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Nina Kuscsik,” says Bob Anderson, who was in Boston covering the race as the publisher of Runner’s World at the time. “She was indeed a pioneer. She won the first officially sanctioned women’s Boston Marathon in 1972, with a time of 2:56:04. Roberta Gibb had finished the Boston Marathon in 1966, 1967, and 1968 before Kathrine Switzer, unofficially won as a ‘field invader.’ Also, Sara Mae Berman unofficially completed the 1969 and 1970 Boston Marathons, and Kathrine Switzer officially registered and finished in 1970 after her 1967 incident, paving the way for future generations.”

Following her groundbreaking Boston victory, Kuscsik continued to lead as an advocate for equality in sport. She was instrumental in pushing the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) to change its policies and allow women to compete officially in longer races—efforts that contributed directly to the inclusion of the women’s marathon in the 1984 Olympics.

In 2012, Kuscsik was inducted into the New York Road Runners Hall of Fame, honored alongside fellow legend Miki Gorman. George Hirsch, then-chairman of NYRR, posted a tribute this week:

“So saddened at the loss of the warm, joyful Nina Kuscsik. She was a true pioneer in the world of running. Here I am welcoming Nina (left) and Miki Gorman into the New York Road Runners Hall of Fame in 2012. Nina will be missed by countless friends and admirers.”

Kuscsik didn’t just run races—she opened doors. Her influence extended well beyond finish lines, and her work laid the foundation for generations of women to compete on equal footing. As the world remembers Nina, we also celebrate the progress she helped create—step by step, mile by mile.