After an illustrious running career, Grete Waitz succumbed to a long battle with cancer at the age of 57. She is an inspiration to all runners. Gothamist reports:

Grete Waitz, the Norwegian marathoner who won the New York City Marathon nine times, died today at age 57. She had been battling cancer for the past six years and passed away in Oslo. She won the 1978-80, 1982-86, and 1988 NYC Marathons, leaving the race organizers to call her “The Greatest Champion in New York City Marathon History.” Waitz’s husband convinced her to enter the race—her first marathon—in 1978; she was expected to be a pace setter, but ended up winning and setting a world record, 2 hours, 32 minutes, 30 seconds.

In NYRR’s tribute, they write:

We are sad to lose a dear friend and our most decorated champion, Grete Waitz, who passed away today. Her strength and grace throughout her fight with cancer were incredible, and when so many people would have crumbled she stood strong and positive.

Grete was a great champion in life as well as in sport. We treasure every moment we had with her. Grete is forever part of NYRR. Her legacy lives through the marathon, Grete’s Gallop, the Mini, and our youth programs. She was deeply important in making the New York City Marathon what it is today, and she inspired generations of women, including athletes like Paula Radcliffe and Deena Kastor. That inspiration will continue.

We will forever celebrate Grete in our hearts and as an inspiration and role model for women’s running.

If Grete had to go, it is somehow fitting that she lived until the day after one of the greatest weekends in the sport of marathon running.

[img: Waitz winning the 1983 NYC Marathon(AP)]

Coming up August 1st, the NYRR will be holding the second of the group training runs, for the fall marathon. After the run, ING will be holding a “post-run energizer,” held at the ING Direct Cafe. Here are the details, according to an NYRR email distribution earlier this week:

Join us for a Post-Run Energizer hosted at the ING DIRECT Café at East 58th Street and Third Avenue on Saturday, August 1. Transportation to the ING DIRECT Café, light food, and beverages will be provided, and Timex-sponsored athlete AC Morgan will share his experiences as an Ironman competitor. Plus, the first 150 attendees will receive a free ING New York City Marathon ASICS training hat in addition to the opportunity to win some great prizes. All attendees at events will also be eligible to participate in our series-ending grand prize-drawing. The prize includes a trip to an adult running camp, a one-year supply of ASICS running shoes, an ING New York City Marathon-branded Timex watch, a Garmin GPS watch, and a VIP experience at the ING New York City Marathon 2009.

More details at the NYRR site.