126th Boston Marathon Banner Program

126th Boston Marathon Banner Program

 

An annual Boston Marathon tradition is the commemorative banners which line the City of Boston streets in the month leading up to race day. Each year’s banners celebrate a unique theme, and the 2022 collection represents the five decades of history since the official women’s division began in 1972. This year's banners feature Nina Kuscsik, Joan Benoit Samuelson, Catherine Ndereba, Marla Runyan, Des Linden, Manuela Schär, Misato Michishita, and Liz Willis.

See how many of Boston’s eight icons you can find on Boylston Street and throughout Back Bay!

 

Nina KuscsikJoan Benoit Samuelson

Photo Credit (L-R): Rick Levy, Peter Travis

  • Nina Kuscik - New York’s Nina Kuscsik crossed the finish in 1972 in the inaugural women’s division with a time of 3:10:26. A trailblazer, Kuscsik set the stage for women’s marathoners to be celebrated in Boston and beyond. 
  • Joan Benoit Samuelson - Maine native Joan Benoit Samuelson helped launch women’s marathoning into another stratosphere thanks to her American record 2:35:15 and world record 2:22:43 at the 1979 and 1983 Boston Marathons. Samuelson cemented her spot in the sport’s legacy by winning gold at the inaugural Olympic women’s marathon in 1984. She’s finished numerous Bostons in the decades since, including a 3:04:00 age group win at 61 in 2019. 

Catherine NderebaMarla Runyan

Photo Credit: PhotoRun

  • Catherine Ndereba - After finishing sixth in 1999, Catherine Ndereba went on a tear in Boston, claiming four titles and a runner-up finish between 2000 and 2005. Known as “Catherine the Great,” Ndereba ushered in the Kenyan era of dominance, becoming the only woman in race history to earn four open division titles. 
  • Marla Runyan - It was at the 2003 Boston Marathon that American Marla Runyan set a record that hasn’t been touched in nearly 20 years. The Olympian and Paralympic medalist finished fifth (top American) in 2:30:28, the fastest time by a visually impaired Para athlete (male or female) in race history. Marla served as the B.A.A.'s Para Athlete Manager from 2017 to 2021 and played a pivotal part in the introduction of Para Athletics Divisions, providing greater competitive opportunities, prize money, and awards for athletes with vision, upper-limb, and lower-limb impairments. Runyan also helped ensure equal course record bonuses for open and wheelchair athletes. 

Des LindenManuela Schar

Photo Credit: PhotoRun

  • Des Linden - Linden’s iconic 2018 run through the rain, wind, and cold set her apart among Boston Marathon champions. She became the first American woman in 33 years to win the open division, inspiring thousands to persevere through even the toughest conditions. Living up to her “keep showing up” motto, Linden has finished in the top-five five times at Boston. 
  • Manuela Schär - Defending champion and course record holder Manuela Schär will be on her first Boston Marathon banner, celebrating her reign at the top. Schär finished first at the 2017, 2019, and 2021 Boston Marathons, and is coming off a year where she won the Abbott World Marathon Majors series title and five Paralympic medals. She remains the course record holder in Boston, thanks to her 1:28:17 world best time in 2017. 

Misato MichishitaLiz Willis

Photo Credit (L-R): PhotoRun, MarathonFoto

  • Misato Michishita - Misato Michishita of Japan was the winner of the inaugural Para Athletics Divisions in 2021, with Michishita finishing first among visually impaired athletes.
  • Liz Willis - Liz Willis of Kansas was the winner of the inaugural Para Athletics Divisions in 2021, with Willis finishing as the top lower-limb impaired athlete. Michishita and Willis are symbolic of the newest chapter of Boston Marathon history, recognizing and honoring world-class Para athletes.