Michele Bush-Cuke

Marathon Statistics

  • First Marathon:  Santa Monica Marathon - Time: 3:23
  • First Sub Three-Hour Marathon: 1981 Avon Marathon - Time: 2.39.07
  • Fastest Marathon: 1991 California International Marathon - Time: 2.37.41
  • Number of Marathons Completed: 12
  • Number Open Marathon Wins: 0
  • Number of Open Marathons Places: 2​​​​​​​
  • The first African-American woman to complete the women's Olympic Marathon when she finished 52nd the at the Seoul 1988 race while competing for the Cayman Islands.

Current Residence: Wappingers Falls, NY

Husband of 32 years:  Pastor David Cuke

Children:

  • Dachele Cuke, age 28 marketing director at Washington Adventist University
  • David Cuke, II  age 23, recent college graduate goal to pursue physical therapy
  • MIchael Cuke, age 22  graduated college 2021, accepted a pastorate position in Hawaii


Rolling Hills HIgh School Highlights

  • Graduated in 1979
  • Placed 2nd in the 800 meters in the California State track meet (11th grade)
  • Won the CIF cross country finals  (11th grade)
  • Two-time winner of the CIF track and field championships (10th and 11th grade)
  • Three-time winner of the Coaches’ Award


University of California at Los Angeles (1979-1983) Highlights

  • Graduated in 1983
  • Became the 1983 NCAA 1500-meter champion
  • Qualified for the 1980 US Olympic Trials in the 1500 meters
  • 10,000-meter UCLA school record holder
  • Member of 2 national championship teams in junior and senior years


Post Collegiate Highlights

  • Won the 1984 Budapest (Hungry) 1500 Meter National Championship title
  • Won the 1984 Toronto 1500 Meter National Championship
  • Competed in the 10,000 meters at the 1987 World Championships

  • Qualified for the 1984 US Olympic Trials in the 1500 meters
  • Former American 20K record holder
  • Placed 14th in the New York City Marathon
  • Placed 3rd in the Twin Cities Marathon


Feelings about being inducted:

Overwhelmed, pleasantly surprised, honored, and just elated.  I am so overjoyed and excited that my accomplishments are remembered and valued, even if the accomplishments were many years ago. Thank you so much.  I am really looking forward to this grand event.

Current projects:  in graduate school working on a Master of Science degree in Fitness and Wellness with the goal of working in the area of senior fitness,

Working full-time as a Registered Nurse teaching homecare workers; in health ministries conducting health presentations

Track Personal Records

  • 800M - 2:06
  • 1500M - 4:14
  • Mile - 4:36
  • 3000M - 9:10


Road Race Personal Best

  • 5K - 16:07
  • 10K - 33:30
  • 20K - 1:08:20
  • Half Marathon 1:13
  • Marathon - 2:37