Celebrating Running Pioneer: Marilyn Bevans

Celebrating the Early Women Pioneers of Long Distance Running

Marilyn Bevans: The First Lady of African American Long Distance Running

 Running History: April 18, 1977

Marilyn Bevans finished second to Miki Gorman at the Boston Marathon in a time of 2:51:12. She would record her personal best marathon time of 2:49:56 at the 1979 Boston Marathon.

 In 1975, Marilyn Bevans became the first African American female to run a sub 3 hour marathon. She was the first nationally ranked black female American marathoner.

 Other Marilyn Bevan Running Milestones:

1970s: Founded Baltimore Suns Track Club an age group teams for boys and girls.

1973: 2nd place to Kathrine Switzer at the Maryland Marathon. Her time 3:31:45

1975: 4th place Boston Marathon - 2:55:52

1975: 5th place New York Marathon - 2:59:19

1976: Represented U.S. Women’s International Marathon in West Germany; 16th place 3:10:16

1977: 1st place Maryland Marathon - 2:51:18

1977: 2nd place Mayor Daley (Chicago) Marathon – 2:54:55

1978: Achieved ? Marathon personal record of 1:22:46

1979: 1st place Maryland Marathon – 2:54:33

1981: Represented U.S. Tokyo International Marathon – DNF

1990 to present: Coach Perry Hall High School - middle and long distance runners

2013: National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA) Hall of Fame Inaugural class

2014: Awarded Runners World - Heroes of Running