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.
Apr 21, 1975 - Women's World Record
Liane Winter (West Germany) - 2:42:24
Boston Marathon, Boston, USA
Liane Winter of West Germany easily won the 1975 Boston Marathon while setting a new world record of 2:42:24, dropping more than a minute off the previous record set just sixth months before.
May 3, 1975 - Women's World Record
Christa Vahlensieck (West Germany) - 2:40:16
Dulem Marathon, Dulem, Germany
Christa Vahlensieck broke the world record set just two weeks before by Winter, a fellow West German, when she ran a Dulem marathon in 2:40:16. Her closest competition crossed the finish line 35 minutes later.
Oct 12, 1975 - Women's World Record
Jackie Hansen (USA) - 2:38:19
Nike/Oregon Track Club Marathon, USA
After having her 1974 world record shattered multiple times during the past year, Jackie Hansen once again made history at the 1975 Nike/Oregon Track Club marathon, where she ran a 2:38:19 to become the only women to break 2:40:00.
May 1, 1977 - Women's World Record
Chantal Langlace (West Germany) - 2:35:15
Spainish Championships Marathon, Spain
On May Day of 1977, 22-year-old veteran runner Chantal Langlace of West Germany set a new world record of 2:35:15 at the Spanish championships.
Sep 10, 1977 - Women's World Record
Christa Vahlensieck (West Germany) - 2:34:48
National Championships Marathon, West Berlin, Germany
West German Christa Vahlensieck clinched first place at the 1977 national championships in West Berlin by the 33K mark, then she crossed the finish line in 2:34:48 to recapture the world record.