30-Jan-1983 – Osaka Women’s Marathon – 2:29:23 – Nike Terra T/C
Date of birth: 16-July-1959
Nationality: Irish
Women-Only World Record duration: 4 months, 6 days
The athlete:
Carey May first made her mark in cross-country running, a known proving ground for many athletes before moving into elite distance running. Winning on debut at the 1980 Dublin Marathon, May established herself as someone to watch. More strong performances would lead her to the 1983 Osaka Women’s Marathon, where she triumphed in dominant fashion over competitors including former marathon world record holders Charlotte Teske and Joyce Smith.
May was more than five minutes ahead of Teske by the finish, and her win also counted as the new women’s only marathon world record. Although making the start for the marathon at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, a gruelling track season meant May only had one month to prepare. While looking back at the race fondly, her finish was not representative of her potential.
Another win at the Osaka Women’s Marathon in 1985 proved this point, with May continuing to compete at the elite level for many years. After her road racing days were behind her, May moved to trail ultramarathons and enjoyed more success in these gruelling events.
The shoes:
We have a clear photo of May winning the 1983 Osaka Women’s Marathon, which show her wearing the Nike Terra T/C racing flat. It’s primary improvement was Phylon foam, which was an evolved version of EVA that promised lighter weight, more cushion, and greater durability. It was the same model that Joan Benoit used to set the marathon world record in 1982.
References:
https://more.arrs.run/runner/5264
https://www.dsdac.com/post/carey-may-the-virtual-interview
https://byucougars.com/sports/womens-cross-country/roster/player/carey-may
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carey_May
https://x.com/heytak3/status/1178968784096247808
https://wamsteeker.com/?p=1651
https://www.shoesyourvintage.com/product/vintage-1980-nike-lady-terra-tc/
http://sq210.blogspot.com/2013/02/nike-1985-catalog.html?m=1