Feb 28, 1970 - Women's World Record
Caroline Walker (USA) - 3:02:53
Trail's End Marathon, Seaside, USA
Caroline Walker, just sixteen at the time, trained for Oregon's Trail's End Marathon by running 70 miles a week. In this, her only marathon, Walker set a new women's world record with her finish time of 3:02:53.
May 9, 1971 - Women's World Record
Elizabeth Bonner (USA) - 3:01:42
Philadelphia Marathon, Philadelphia, USA
After more than a year of the women's record held by Caroline Walker, Elizabeth Bonner set a new low time for female runners in this Philadelphia race. She completed the marathon in 3:01:42, just over a minute faster than the previous record holder.
Aug 1, 1971 - Women's World Record
Adrienne Beames (Australia) - 2:46:30
Australia
Cold and rainy weather didn't stop Adrienne Beames of Australia from being the first woman to shatter the 3-hour mark in August of 1971, as she finished right behind four men and ahead of the other ten in 2:46:30. Her race inspired women world-wide and a month later Americans Nina Kuscsik and Elizabeth Bonner ran the New York City Marathon in under 3 hours.
Oct 27, 1974 - Women's World Record
Chantal Langlace (France) - 2:46:24
Neuf Brisach Marathon, Neuf Brisach, France
Chantal Langlace took six seconds off the world record, previously held by Australian Adrienne Beames, finishing the marathon in Neuf Brisach in 2:26:24. Langlace continued to make history for female marathoners, setting another record just three years later.
Dec 1, 1974 - Women's World Record
Jackie Hansen (USA) - 2:43:54
Culver City Marathon, Culver City, USA
In December of 1974, American Jackie Hansen shaved minutes off Christa Vahlensieck recent record low time for a new world record of 2:43:54.