Jacqueline Gareau

Jacqueline Gareau, born on March 10, 1953, is a celebrated Canadian runner renowned for her remarkable victory in the Boston Marathon on April 21, 1980. Leading the women's field for the majority of the race, Gareau crossed the finish line only to find another runner, Rosie Ruiz, adorned with the victor's laurels. However, Ruiz was later disqualified for cheating, having not completed the entire race. A week later, Gareau was officially awarded the victory, with her time of two hours, thirty-four minutes, and twenty-eight seconds marking the fastest recorded for a woman in the event's history at that time.

Two years after the marathon, Gareau encountered Ruiz while preparing for a 10K race in Miami, Florida. This brief meeting was marked by Ruiz's continued refusal to acknowledge Gareau's rightful win in 1980, a stance she maintained until her death.

In recognition of her achievements, Gareau served as the Grand Marshal of the 2005 Boston Marathon, where she had the honor of