Nina Louise Kuscsik’s marriage to Richard Kuscik ended after nine years.
The first woman to enter the New York City Marathon, Nina Louise Kuscsik, died on Sunday, June 8, 2025, in Brookhaven, New York, at 86 due to respiratory failure.
She struggled with Alzheimer’s disease for a long time.
As per her daughter, Chris Wiese, Nina was diagnosed with cognitive impairment in 2014 and was recently treated for bouts of pneumonia.
The Boston Athletic Association took to their official Twitter handle and mourned the death of Nina. They wrote,
The B.A.A. is saddened to learn of the passing of Nina Kuscsik, the Boston Marathon’s first Women’s Division champion. Nina was more than a pioneer, determined women’s running advocate, and celebrated icon within the sport.
Boston Athletic Association
Jacqueline Hansen expressed her sorrow over Nina’s heartbreaking passing through a post on her official Facebook page, where she shared a heartfelt tribute.
I am heartbroken. I’ve lost a dear friend, and indeed the running world has lost a legend. May her memory live on. I’m at a loss for words here, but this will tell the essence of her story.
Jacqueline Hansen
Eastern Washington University graduate Nobby Hashizume also took to her social media and offered heartfelt condolences by stating,
Sad, sad, sad news… Legend, super nice lady. We won’t be able to hear that laugh any more… Rest in Peace.
Nobby Hashizume
Other close ones have also offered their heartfelt condolences and sent prayers to Nina’s family, asking them to stay strong during this challenging time.
The funeral service for Nina was held on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at Union United Methodist Church in East Northport, New York.
Visitation and viewing were held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by the service at 11:00 a.m. Rest in Peace, Nina Louise Kuscsik.
Nina Louise And Richard Kuscsik Were Married For Over 9 Years
The first official female winner of the Boston Marathon, Nina Louise Kuscsik, tied the knot with Richard Kuscsik in 1961.
After nine years of marriage, they divorced in the early 1970s.
In 1973, Nina told The New York Times that their married life ended due to her running career.
The B.A.A. is saddened to learn of the passing of Nina Kuscsik, the Boston Marathon’s first Women’s Division champion. Nina was more than a pioneer, determined women’s running advocate, and celebrated icon within the sport. pic.twitter.com/ugtVI8boKX
— Boston Athletic Association (@BAA) June 16, 2025
Following divorce, Richard reportedly married Verginia Kuscsik, while Nina remained single.
Richard and Verginia were blessed with a son named Greg Kuscsik.
As per the source, Richard Kuscsik, born on March 23, 1940, tragically passed away on Wednesday, June 6, 2012, at 72, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Nina Louise Kuscsik Leaves Behind Her Three Children
Nina Louise and Richard Kuscsik had one daughter, Christina Wiese, and two sons, Stephen and Timothy Kuscsik.
When Nina was pregnant with her third child, she was seen doing laps around the block where the family lived in Huntington Station, New York.
Nina Louise Kuscsik. FIRST OFFICIAL BOSTON MARATON WOMEN'S CHAMPION.
— Jack Welch (@PaavoZatopek) June 16, 2025
January 2, 1939 – June 8, 2025 @WomensRunning @runnerspace @BAA @BostonMarathon_ @bostonmarathon https://t.co/fXcrNDiKZa
Chris tied the knot with Cameron Wiese, Stephen married Jill Kuscsik, and Timothy married Marilyn Kuscsik.
Although they have stayed away from the media spotlight, they are mourning the tragic loss of their supportive mother, Nina Louise Kuscsik.
As per the reports, Nina had two grandsons, Alex and Ryan Kuscsik.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Nina Louise Kuscsik was a one-time American women’s record-holder for a 50-mile (80km) run, with her run of 6:35:53 in 1977 in Central Park, New York. She continued running into her later years and was the first woman to finish the Empire State Building Run-Up in 1979, 1980, and 1981.
- Kuscsik is also survived by one brother, George Marmorino, and one sister, Helen Flamini.
- She was the only woman to participate in the first New York City Marathon in 1970. She did not feel well and had to drop out without finishing. In the following year, she was one of four female finishers and won the event in 1972.
- In 2022, she received the Abebe Bikila Award from the New York Road Runners, which is awarded for outstanding contributions to the sport of distance running.
