Merry Lepper (born December 31, 1942)[1] is a former American long-distance runner from California who is recognized by the International Association of Athletics Federations as having set a world best in the marathon on December 16, 1963, with a time of 3:37:07 at the Western Hemisphere Marathon in Culver City, California.
[7] At the 1963 Western Hemisphere Marathon, the two women hid along the sidelines then joined the men just after the start.
[7] A race official attempted to remove them from the course and Carman reportedly yelled, "I have the right to use public streets for running!
[13][14] Davis's book states, "Without discounting her [Pieper's] achievement, Pikes Peak marathon is considered to be more of an endurance climb, with much walking involved, as opposed to a competitive marathon race.
[2] The commendation reads in part: "Now, therefore, the City Council of the City of Culver City, California, hereby congratulates and commends Merry Lepper, a shining example of how one person can overcome tremendous hurdles to fulfill a dream and, in the process, pave the way for generations to come.