California State University Northridge Athletics
CSUN Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 1988
- Class:
- 1974
As a CSUN undergrad in 1973, Hansen ran one of the most prestigious marathons in the world and changed the world of track, winning the Boston Marathon. As a senior in 1974, she claimed the collegiate mile national title just before graduating. She officially held the women's marathon world record twice in her life, first setting it at 2:43:55 in 1974.
In 1974 and 1975, Hansen was the best female runner in the world, holding the world record at two separate points. She also won 11 of her first 12 marathons, a mind-boggling feat even today. She also lobbied the International Olympic Committee to add the women’s marathon, and later the 5,000 meters and the 10,000 meters, to the Olympic Games at a time when young women had little or no opportunity to compete in athletics.
Under the guidance of legendary coach Laszlo Tabori, Hansen became the first woman in history to break the 2:40 barrier, clocking a time of 2:38:19 at the 1975 Nike-Oregon Track Club Marathon.
In recognition of her dual legacy as a world-class athlete and a transformative pioneer, Hansen was inducted into the USA National Distance Running Hall of Fame in 2012.
Hansen graduated from San Fernando Valley State (CSUN) in 1974 with a degree in English. She went on to become a pioneer in women's distance running, a two-time world record holder in the marathon, and a relentless advocate for gender equality in sports.
