'It wasn't until a race official attacked me during the run did I become determined to finish and speak out on behalf of all women.' Switzer went on to help campaign to make women official Boston Marathon entries, and in 1972 that became a reality. 'I wasn't trying to break any barriers,' Switzer, now 70, told SELF last year. Photos of the incident are now a famous reminder of how Switzer persevered in the face of adversity. Other runners helped Switzer bat off the race official, and she went on to finish the marathon. (She used her initials to sign up for the race, and officials assumed she was a man.)ĭuring her groundbreaking run, Kathrine Switzer, then 20 years old, was attacked mid-race by a disgruntled race official, Jock Semple, who tried to rip off her racing bib. In 1967, Switzer made Boston Marathon history when she became the first woman to complete the race as a registered entrant. One of the biggest stories from the 2017 Boston Marathon: how Kathrine Switzer competed in the race again, 50 years after her historic first run. Available now 9 minutes Last on Sat 20:50 Local time BBC World Service Online Womens Marathon Pioneer In 1967, the athlete Kathrine Switzer, became the first woman to run the.

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