Mary Wittenberg
"I really appreciate the opportunity to make a difference. Running changes people’s lives at all levels."
Biography
Mary Wittenberg started her sporting career as a rower, coxing the men’s team at Canisius College. Part of the training was a daily run and here, Mary matched her teammates stride for stride. In law school at Notre Dame, she trained with the men's cross-country team and continued to run after graduating, winning the Marine Corps Marathon in 2:44 and earning a place in the 1988 Olympic trials.
Mary moved to New York City in 1994, becoming a partner in her firm in 1997, but she was not content. In 1998, she turned her passion for running into her profession, becoming the executive vice president of administration for the New York Road Runners (NYRR) Club.
Her primary goal was to promote women's running. She reorganized the NYRR, aiming to increase autonomy and make marathon running a global sport and a year-round, lifetime commitment
The NYRR Foundation establishes community-based running programs to promote physical heath, emotional well being, and personal achievement among deprived communities in New York City.
Career Highlights
| 1987 | Won Marine Corps Marathon |
| 1988 | Competed in 1988 U.S. Olympic Team Trials for the women’s marathon |
| 1998 | Appointed executive vice president, administration of the New York Road Runners Club |
| 2004 | Appointed associate race director of the New York City Marathon |
| 2005 | Appointed race director of the ING New York City Marathon |
| Appointed president and CEO of New York Road Runners Club |
