Cause for Celebration: Grete Waitz

As part of our Cause for Celebration series, presented by PNC, we are honoring Grete Waitz, a marathon legend who redefined what was possible on the roads.

In 1979, she made history at the New York City Marathon as the first woman to run under two and a half hours. Over the next decade, she went on to win NYC an incredible nine times, the most victories ever in a single major marathon! Grete’s greatness didn’t stop there. She earned Olympic silver in 1984, World Championship gold in 1983, and five World Cross Country titles.

With four marathon world records, plus records at 3000m, 8K, 10K, 15K, and 10 miles, Grete’s résumé is unmatched. Add in wins in London, Stockholm, and 12 World Marathon Majors, and you get one of the most dominant distance runners of all time. Today, we celebrate Grete Waitz: a pioneer whose legacy still inspires every stride!