Even if you are not well-versed in road racing or New York Marathon history, Grete Waitz is a name that you know. Waitz was a world-record holder and two-time olympian at the 3,000 meter distance when she turned her sights on the marathon and set a world record (2:32:30) at the distance in her first 26.2 mile race, the 1978 New York City Marathon. Waitz would break her own record three more times through 1983 (2:25:29).
Waitz participated in 15 marathons over the years, with wins at 13 of those: 9 NYC Marathons (between 1978 and 1988), 2 London Marathons (1983, 1986), Stockholm (1988) and the first marathon championships for women (1983). Beyond her prominence in the race, Waitz was truly a pioneer and did much to promote the cause of distance running for women.
Earlier this year, this pioneer in women's running was diagnosed with cancer. Wanting to keep this out of the spotlight, Grete and her close family and friends did their best to keep this secret from the public. Waitz, for the first time, met with the press before the 2005 ING New York City Marathon and spoke candidly about her situation for the first time.
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