Legendary U.S. Marathon Champion Dead At 86

Originally posted on The Spun | By Andrew Gould | Last updated Jun 17, 2025 2:22 PM ET

Nina Kuscsik, the first woman to win the Boston Marathon, died at age 86.

Per her obituary, Kuscsik died of respiratory disease on June 8 following a long battle with Alzheimer's. The Boston Athletic Association posted a tribute on social media.

"Nina was more than a pioneer, determined women's running advocate, and celebrated icon within the sport," the BAA wrote. "To us, she was a friend who will always be remembered for her kindness, joyful laugh and smile. Nina held the distinct honor of winning the 1972 Boston Marathon, and recognized the platform that came with that triumphant moment, inspiring thousands of women to reach their own goals and finish lines in the decades since."

Kuscsik advocated for women's inclusion before they were permitted to compete in many long-distance events. She was the only woman to run in the first New York City Marathon in 1970.

Two years later, Kuscsik was among the "six who sat" to begin the NYC Marathon in protest of the Amateur Athletic Union separating women's events from the men's. She still won that year and went on to repeat as champion in 1973.

Kuscsik also won the Boston Marathon's first official women's race in 1972. Kathrine Switzer, among the other eight women to run that year, mourned Kuscsik's passing.

(Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)

"The entire running world is deeply saddened by the June 8th passing of one of our greatest leaders, Nina Kuscsik," Switzer wrote. "Nina was not only a champion runner, but was instrumental in the official acceptance of women in distance running because she did years of tough work of changing rules and regulations, and submitting medical evidence to prove women's capability.

"In 1972, the Boston Marathon had to accept us as official entries. Eight of us could meet the qualifying time of 3 hr 30 min; eight of us registered, eight of us showed up, and all eight of us finished. It was a stunning moment—and a blistering hot day—but appropriately enough, Nina won."

Kuscsik's obituary noted that she graduated from nursing school at age 18 and successfully petitioned New York to change rules that would only grant a license to someone 21 years or older. She spent nearly 40 years advocating for patients.

"Notwithstanding her legacy in the world of running, she is most affectionately known by those who knew her for her positive attitude, friendly demeanor, and always warm smile, and laugh," the obituary read. "Nina found and brought joy to every occasion."

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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