Kiwi long-distance runner Allison Roe broke the New York City marathon record in 1981.
Forty years ago, in 1981, running was booming. Race numbers exploded, huge new marathons and fun-runs transformed cities as big as New York, London, and Sydney, shoes and apparel for running had become an instant industry, media and sponsors brought crowds and cash, and potent new names hit the headlines – Frank Shorter, Grete Waitz, Alberto Salazar, Nike, New Balance, Asics. It all seemed miraculous. And nothing was more miraculous than the sudden emergence, at the Boston Marathon on 20 April, 1981, of an unknown yet wondrous talent – Allison Roe from New Zealand.
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Barbara McKerrow says her days as a marathon runner have stood her in good stead for a career in local government.
Three new faces have joined Wellington City Council s leadership ranks in the past 12 months, including one who is taking up a newly established position.
Damian George reports. Barbara McKerrow reckons there are parallels between running marathons and running a city council. And she would know, because she’s done both. The Wellington City Council chief executive has forged a track record in local government spanning almost 40 years – and in the early years of that stint also carved out a career as a champion marathon runner.