Celebrating African American Women Long Distance Running History
Michele Bush-Cuke – One of History’s Most Prolific Runners
All-Time African American Marathoner Leader for 23 Years
2:37:41 (1991 – 2006)
2:39:07 (1981 – 1989)
11 Sub 3 Hour Marathons
8 Sub 2:45 Marathons
Currently #2 Ranked on the all-time list to Samia Akbar
Michele was born in Anaheim, California. Her father was born in the Cayman Island. She was able compete for the Cayman Island in 1987 World Championship at 10,000 meters, and the 1988 Olympics at the marathon.
Her range and years of running achievements are extraordinary. At UCLA she excelled at distance of 1500 meters to 10,000 meters. Her 1500 best of 4:14.0 set in 1982 still ranks her 5th on UCLA’s all-time list. Michele’s 10K college time has been the schools best for 36 years. Her UCLA teammates included Jackie Joyner Kersee, Florence Griffith Joyner, and Jeanette Bolden.
Here’s a list of her personal bests in road races:
5K – 16:12 – 1985
10K – 32:58 – 1991
15K – 52:25 – 1985
10 Miles – 55:11 – 1985
Half Marathon – 1:13:50
Marathon – 2:37:41 – 1991
Michele considers her greatest running accomplishment was wining the NCAA 1500 meter championship in 1983.
Gary Corbitt
Curator: Ted Corbitt Archives
Historian: National Black Marathoners Association (NBMA)