Allison Roe

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Allison Roe MBE (born May 30, 1957 in Auckland) is a former long-distance athlete from New Zealand, who became well known for winning the Boston and New York Marathons in the same year (1981) setting course records at both and a world record at the New York City Marathon as well as a world record for 20k in Miyazaki, Japan the same year. Her coach during this period was Gary Elliott. However, the New York City Marathon's course was found on re-measurement to be about 148 meters, short of the 26-mile, 385-yard (42.195 km) distance.^[1]

Roe won the Seoul Marathon, numerous 10k races including a win at the famous Peachtree Road race (Atlanta) where she broke Mary Decker’s course record. She has also won national titles in cross country running, cycling and triathlon. A world record holder for nearly two years in the women's marathon, Roe was voted fourth most popular female athlete in the world in 1982 by the American Press Association. Her awards are numerous and include NZ Sportsman of the Year, the Nurmi Awards (USA) for Best Female Runner in the World and for Best Female Athlete in the World (1982), Paavo Nurmi Award presented recently at the United Nations for her contribution to the city of NY and sport of athletics.

After her sporting career Roe started to work as a business woman, who lives in Auckland, New Zealand. Her board positions include Health Sponsorship Council, North Shore Hospital Foundation and the Robin Hood Foundation.