By Davy Crockett 

Ruth Anderson pioneered women's marathon and ultrarunning in the 1970s, at a time when virtually no American women participated in the sport.  She established numerous American ultra women's records and became an inspiration for the first generation of American ultrarunning women.

She was a nuclear chemist and began running at all distances, especially marathons, in her 40s.  Thus, all of her many running accomplishments, including world records, were achieved as a masters runner. She became an icon and inspiration in the Northern California running community where she was probably its most prolific runner in local races.

But her greatest impact on the sport was made behind the scenes. She aggressively worked hard to open up the doors for women and masters runners to compete in long distance running. The famed ultramarathon London to Brighton race was opened up to women in the 1970s largely because of her persistent lobbying. The women’s masters division was established in running because she wouldn’t accept “no” as an answer. She strived to tear down decades of bias and false beliefs about women and their capability participating in the sport. Ultrarunning legend, Ann Trason said, “I don’t think the sport would be where it is today without Ruth. She was a very fair, generous and kind person who you could really share the love of running with.”

Ruth Frances Purney (1929-2016) was born in Omaha Nebraska, in 1929. She was raised in Nebraska by highly educated and professional parents.

Ruth’s mother, Florence Nason at age 25

Dr. Purney

Ruth's father, Dr. James Francis Purney (1892-1970), was also born in Nebraska. He finished dental school about 1917 and served in the dental corps during World War I. In his professional career, he was a leader and served as president and secretary for various dental associations. He was also an athlete who played football, golf, tennis, and was a member of the Omaha Tennis Club. Dr. Purney was also very involved in the theater, both acting and directing in the 1920s, 30s and 40s. In 1928 he was the director for a performance put on in the local playhouse. His assistant director was a young 23-year-old actor who would become very famous, Henry Fonda.

Ruth’s mother was Florence Barney Nason (1890-1952) also of Omaha. Both her parents were graduates of the University of Nebraska. Her mother graduated, in 1915, in Home Economics, specialized in dietetics, and was employed as the head dietitian in a hospital for a time. Her parents were married in 1918. As Ruth grew up, her mother taught home economics at Benson High School in Omaha, Nebraska. During World War II, she was active in the Red Cross, working with the Clarkson Hospital Service League.

Grandparents

To truly understand who Ruth Anderson was, it is also helpful to know who her grandparents were.

Emil Purney

Ruth's father’s parents were Emil Jackson Purney (1854-1894), born in Ohio and Ella Rachel DeLay (1873-1900) born in Illinois. They were married in Denver, Colorado and lived in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Portland, Oregon. Emil Purney, who was called “Cheyenne” by his co-workers was a railroad night switchman who worked for the Northern Pacific. In 1894 at the age of 40, he died suddenly of a heart attack, working in the telegraph operator’s room during the night. “He suddenly complained that his heart was troubling him, and lying down on the floor, expired before medical aid could be summoned." Ella Purney was left a young widow, age 21 with five very young children including Ruth’s one-year-old father.  Sadly, Ellen Purney also died six years later when Ruth’s father was just six years old. He and two of his siblings went to live with their uncle and aunt, Jerry and Mary Scott, in Kearney, Nebraska.

 

Dr. Abner Nason

Ruth’s mother’s parents were Abner Weaver Nason (1849-1921) and Jennie V. Barney (1858-

1930 census record.