Bertha von Hillern

Bertha von Hillern (4 August 1853, Trier, Prussian Rhineland – 19 September 1939, Staunton, Virginia) was a German-American athlete and artist.

At the age of twelve, Von Hillern began to study the science of Pedestrianism, and during her teens, she walked in several matches in Berlin and other European cities.

Von Hillern emigrated to the United States in October 1875 and settled first in Chicago, Illinois.

In February 1876, she participated in the first women's 6 Day Race in history against Mary Marshall.

[1] For the next two years, she continued to devote her time to advocating athletic exercises for women, and appearing in public promoting Pedestrianism.