The women's 3000 metres event at the 1981 Summer Universiade was held at the Stadionul Naţional in Bucharest on 26 July 1981.Results at Tilastopaja It was the first time that this distance was contested at the Universiade after not being featured for two editions.

Results

Rank Athlete Nationality Time Notes Breda Pergar UR Valentina Ilyinykh Maria Radu Ruth Smeeth Joan Hansen Mercedes Calleja Tatiana Conac Fionnuala Morrish Tuija Toivonen 10 Susana Herrera 10:00.46 11 Marleen Meuris 10:36.49

References