She won it again a year later and remains the only Rotorua runner to win the women's event, which started in 1974.
Only time will tell if a local runner, such as Steven O'Callaghan, will finish near the front of the pack this morning during the 50th anniversary race around Lake Rotorua.
It would be a great boost for the sport in Rotorua but a tough challenge.
A quality elite field will line up today for the event which doubles as the Athletics New Zealand Marathon Championships.
The third biggest field in the marathon's history is also turning up to tackle the 42.2km course.
About 4600 people are expected to take part in the full marathon today, starting at the Energy Events Centre.
The biggest field for the marathon was back in 1989, during the 25th anniversary event, where 5967 people started the race.
The most successful runners at the Rotorua Marathon include Auckland's Dale Warrander, who has won the race five times, and Foster (Rotorua) who won four titles.
If Phil Costley (Nelson) wins the marathon today he will join Foster with four wins.
And keeping it in the family, the most successful female runner in the event's history is Phil's sister Jillian Costley, who has won the race four times.
Expo proves popular
Running gear like socks and energy supplements have been selling fast as Rotorua Marathon goers gear up for the big event.
The Asics Sport Expo at the Energy Events Centre was buzzing yesterday as participants and supporters prepared for the 50th Rotorua Marathon today.
Expo director Sandra Kai Fong said there were all kinds of things on offer, with running gear and pain relief proving specially popular yesterday.
"Things like socks and bras [have been selling well] and a mix of everything," she said.
She said people were also stacking up on Powerade, energy bars and other energy supplements.
She said the atmosphere was fantastic yesterday with everyone enjoying the big occasion.
The Asics Sport Expo will continue today at the Energy Events Centre.
