Pioneer of Women’s Running Nina Kuscsik Dies at 86

HUNTINGTON STATION, N.Y. (AP) — Nina Kuscsik, the first official female winner of the Boston Marathon, passed away on June 8 at the age of 86 after battling Alzheimer’s disease and respiratory failure, according to her family.

Kuscsik was born on January 2, 1939, in Brooklyn, New York. A lifelong athlete, she originally competed in roller skating and cycling before taking up long-distance running. She ran her first marathon in 1969, even before women were officially allowed to participate in such events.

In 1972, when women were officially permitted entry, Kuscsik made history by winning the Boston Marathon with a time of 3:10:26. Later that same year, she also claimed victory at the New York City Marathon, making her a central figure in the fight for women’s recognition in the sport.

The Boston Athletic Association released a statement that read, “Nina was more than a pioneer, determined women’s running advocate, and celebrated icon within the sport. To us, she was a friend who will always be remembered for her kindness, joyful laugh and smile.”

In addition to her two marathon victories, Kuscsik was part of a group of women known as the “Six who Sat,” who protested against outdated rules that separated women’s races from men’s during the 1972 New York City Marathon.

Kuscsik’s contributions went beyond mere competition. She served for over 40 years on committees focused on women’s long-distance running, helping to revise the rules for women’s races and providing pivotal support in the AAU and later USA Track and Field.

Throughout her running career, she completed more than 80 marathons, setting an American record for the 50-mile run in 1977, and winning the Empire State Building Run-Up three consecutive years from 1979 to 1981.

Kuscsik was inducted into the Long Distance Running Hall of Fame in 1999. A celebration of life service is scheduled for July in East Northport, New York.