Born: 1937 (Paisley, Renfrewshire)
Died: 2019
Biography:
Dale Greig (15 May 1937 – 12 May 2019) was a Scottish cross country champion and pioneering long-distance runner. She made significant contributions to the world of women’s running and became a trailblazer for future generations of female athletes.
Born in Paisley, Renfrewshire, Greig lived there all her life. Alongside her twin sister, Cynthia, she attended the John Neilson Institution in Paisley. After finishing school, Greig joined the Glasgow-based Bellahouston Harriers before eventually establishing her own women’s club, Tannahill Harriers, in 1959.
In the 1950s and 1960s, there were strict limitations on the distances women were permitted to run in competition. Typically, women were restricted to running one mile on the track and up to three miles in cross country events, with occasional exceptions for longer distances. Greig, however, didn’t let these restrictions deter her from pushing the boundaries of women’s long-distance running.
Greig began participating in various track events, where she achieved remarkable success. She won several medals at the Scottish Championships, including silver in the 880 yards in 1956 and bronze in the mile in 1958, 1959, 1960, and 1966. Her determination and talent led her to become the Scottish National Cross Country Champion in 1960, 1962, 1964, and 1968.
But it was in the marathon and ultramarathon distances where Greig truly excelled and made history. In 1964, she accomplished a remarkable feat by becoming the first woman to complete a marathon in under 3 hours and 30 minutes. At the Isle of Wight Marathon, Greig finished with a time of 3:27:45, which was later recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) as a world best performance. Starting four minutes ahead of the men, Greig’s run was considered a time trial, but her achievement shattered previous expectations for female marathon runners.
Building on her success, Greig continued to break barriers in the world of long-distance running. In 1971, she became the first woman to complete two ultramarathons. She conquered the Isle of Man 40-mile race, finishing in an impressive 6:48:00. It is essential to note that the race did not officially allow female participants until 1982. The following year, in 1972, Greig made history once again by becoming the first woman to complete the 55-mile London-to-Brighton race.
In 1974, at the age of 37, Greig solidified her place in athletic history by winning the first International Masters Marathon for women at the World Veterans’ Championships in Paris. This victory not only highlighted her individual accomplishments but also represented a significant milestone in women’s sports, showcasing the tenacity and endurance of female athletes.
Dale Greig’s contributions to the realm of long-distance running extended far beyond her personal achievements. Her determination and refusal to conform to societal expectations helped pave the way for subsequent generations of female athletes, who now have the opportunity to compete and excel in marathons and ultramarathons worldwide. Greig’s trailblazing efforts have not only left an indelible mark on the world of sports but also played a vital role in advancing women’s rights and challenging gender norms.
Awards:
– First woman to run a marathon in under 3 hours and 30 minutes (Isle of Wight Marathon, 1964)
– First woman to complete two ultramarathons (Isle of Man 40, 1971, and London-to-Brighton, 1972)
– Winner of the first International Masters Marathon for women at the World Veterans’ Championships in Paris, 1974.