Women in Running History Who Redefined Resilience in California

At the Berkeley Half Marathon, we see history being made every year—runners smashing personal records, first-timers proving to themselves they can, and lifelong athletes showing us all what dedication looks like. Today, we’re women in running history. Specifically Bay Area and California women who paved the way, broke records, and inspired generations of runners—including you.

From winning races at age 10 to qualifying for the Olympics at 54, these women prove that running isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifelong passion. And if you’ve ever laced up your shoes and hit the pavement, you’re a part of this story too.

Mary Etta Boitano: The Kid Who Outran the Competition

📍 San Francisco, CA
🚀 Youngest Bay to Breakers runner, first female to win the Dipsea Race at age 10

Imagine toeing the starting line of a marathon at just five years old. That was normal life for Mary Etta Boitano, a San Francisco native who grew up racing against (and beating) adults. At age 10, she became the first woman to ever win the Dipsea Race, one of the toughest trail races in the country.
Fast forward a few years? She won Bay to Breakers three times in a row. Absolute legend among women in running history.

Marion Irvine: “The Flying Nun” Who Proved It’s Never Too Late

📍 San Rafael, CA
🔥 Qualified for the Olympic Trials at 54 (yes, you read that right)

At 47, Marion Irvine laced up her first pair of running shoes. Seven years later, she wasn’t just running—she was qualifying for the U.S. Olympic Trials at 54.

Nicknamed “The Flying Nun” (yes, she was an actual nun), Irvine shattered every preconceived notion about age and athletics, proving that you can start your running journey whenever the hell you want.

Alysia Montaño: The Strength-Defying Mom

📍 UC Berkeley Alum!
👑 Six-time U.S. Champion, raced at 8 months pregnant

Running an 800-meter race is hard. Running it eight months pregnant? Next level.

In 2014, Alysia Montaño (a UC Berkeley alum, by the way!) stepped onto the track with her signature flower in her hair and showed the world what real strength looks like. She finished last in that race—but came back the next year to WIN and qualify for the World Championships.

She doesn’t just run for herself—she runs to challenge outdated ideas about what women’s bodies can do. And she does it on a global stage as one of the women in running history. 

Florence Griffith Joyner: The Fastest Woman Who Ever Lived

📍 Born in LA, trained in the Bay
⚡ Still holds the 100m & 200m world records

No one—not a single person—has run faster than Florence Griffith Joyner (Flo-Jo) since she set the 100m and 200m world records in 1988.

Her record-breaking speed, bold style, and unapologetic confidence made her an icon—not just in track and field, but in sports period. The only woman to come close to her 100m Olympic time? Elaine Thompson-Herah… in 2021.

Allyson Felix: The Most Decorated Woman in Track & Field History

📍 Los Angeles, CA
🥇 Most Olympic medals in track & field. Ever.

Let’s talk about records.

• 11 Olympic medals (more than any other woman in track & field history).
• 31 combined medals (Olympics + World Championships).
• First woman in track history to medal in three different relay events.

Allyson Felix didn’t just show up—she dominated, again and again. But beyond her wins, she’s been a major advocate for maternity rights in sports, taking on Nike after they tried to cut her sponsorship when she had a baby. (Spoiler: She won that fight, too.)

Alexi Pappas: The Bravey of the Track

📍 UC Berkeley Grad
🎥 Olympian, filmmaker, writer, and mental health advocate

Most Olympians run fast—but Alexi Pappas runs fast and writes about it. A UC Berkeley alum, she represented Greece in the 10,000m race at the 2016 Olympics, setting a national record (31:36.16).

But Pappas’ impact goes beyond the track. She’s been an outspoken advocate for mental health in sports, writing about the post-Olympics depression many athletes face. Her memoir, Bravey, is a must-read for anyone who has ever chased a dream—and wondered what happens after you catch it. Not to mention, she’s a regular at the Berkeley Half Marathon!

History Is Still Being Made—By YOU

These women weren’t just fast—they were game changers. And every year, at the Berkeley Half Marathon, we see more and more badass Bay Area women rewriting what’s possible.

💬 Are you running the Berkeley Half this year? Do you have a story about women in running history who inspired your running journey? Share it with us on Instagram using #RunBerkeley—we want to hear from you!