Grete Waitz

Date of Birth: October 1, 1953

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: April 19, 2011

Biography

Grete Waitz was a Norwegian marathon runner and one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of long-distance running. Born on October 1, 1953, in Oslo, Norway, Waitz initially excelled in shorter distances, winning national titles in the 800 meters and 1,500 meters. Her career took a monumental turn when she moved up to marathon distance. Waitz made her marathon debut in 1978 at the New York City Marathon, an event she won a record nine times from 1978 to 1988, solidifying her legacy. She also won the London Marathon twice and earned a silver medal in the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics. Known for her remarkable endurance, strategic racing, and pioneering efforts for women’s distance running, Waitz became a global icon. In addition to her competitive achievements, Waitz was a dedicated advocate for health and fitness. She authored several books on running and fitness and was involved in numerous charitable activities, particularly in cancer research, following her own diagnosis in 2005. Waitz passed away on April 19, 2011, but her legacy continues to inspire runners worldwide.

5 Interesting Facts about Grete Waitz

1. Grete Waitz was the first woman to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 30 minutes.

2. She originally intended to only run one marathon, but her success at the New York City Marathon led to a prolific career in the sport.

3. Waitz was a five-time World Cross Country champion.

4. She established the “Grete Waitz Run” in Oslo, an annual event promoting women’s participation in running.

5. Waitz was awarded the Royal Norwegian Order of St. Olav for her contributions to sports and society.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Grete Waitz

1. “You have to forget your last marathon before you try another. Your mind can’t know what’s coming.”

2. “For every finish-line tape a runner breaks, complete with the cheers of the crowd and the clicking of hundreds of cameras, there are the hours of hard and often lonely work that rarely gets talked about.”

3. “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.”

4. “The marathon is a race of attrition. It’s about who can endure the longest.”

5. “Running gave me confidence and a sense of purpose.”