Katie Switzer German-born American author, marathon runner and television commentator Date of Birth: 05.01.1947 Country: USA

1. Early Life and Education
2. Running and the Boston Marathon
3. Breaking Gender Barriers
4. Race Day Incident
5. Finishing the Marathon
6. Subsequent Accomplishments
7. Television Commentating and Awards
8. Legacy

Early Life and Education

Kathrine Virginia "Kathy" Switzer was born on January 5, 1947, in Amberg, Germany, to a United States Army Major. She moved back to the United States with her family in 1949. Switzer attended George C. Marshall High School and later Syracuse University, where she studied journalism. She earned a Bachelor's degree in 1968 and a Master's degree in 1972.

Running and the Boston Marathon

While excelling in her studies, Switzer also developed a passion for running. At a time when there were no women's sports teams in American universities, she informally trained with the men's team. Fed up with her coach's discouragement, Switzer broke away from his tutelage in 1966. The catalyst for her decision was her coach's claim that women were too fragile to complete a marathon. Switzer proved him wrong by completing the full 26.2-mile marathon distance with him three weeks before the official start.

Breaking Gender Barriers

Inspired by her own achievement, Switzer aimed to defy the gender restrictions of the Boston Marathon. In 1967, under the pseudonym "K. V. Switzer," she became one of 741 official entrants. Her boyfriend, football player "Big Tom" Miller, and her coach, Arnie Briggs, joined her in the race.

Race Day Incident

During the race, Switzer's presence as a woman on the course drew attention from some male runners. While some were supportive, others ridiculed her or expressed disbelief. At one point, race official Jock Semple attempted to physically remove her from the race, but Switzer's boyfriend intervened. Miller sent Semple tumbling into a ditch, protecting Switzer and allowing her to continue.

Finishing the Marathon

Despite the opposition, Switzer remained determined to finish the marathon. She endured harassment and threats from Semple, but she found strength in her anger and the support of other runners who formed a protective barrier around her. Overcoming physical and emotional fatigue, Switzer completed the marathon in 4 hours and 20 minutes, becoming the first woman to officially run and finish it.

Subsequent Accomplishments

Switzer went on to run 39 more marathons, including the Boston Marathon 12 more times. She holds a personal best marathon time of 2:51:37, set in Boston in 1975. For her contributions to running, Switzer was named "Runner of the Decade" by Runner's World magazine for 1976-1977.

Television Commentating and Awards

In addition to her running career, Switzer became a successful television commentator for marathons. She received an Emmy Award in 1984 for her work.

Legacy

In 2017, the Boston Athletic Association announced that bib number 261, which Switzer wore in the 1967 Boston Marathon, would be retired in her honor as a tribute to her groundbreaking achievement. Switzer's courage and determination paved the way for women's participation in long-distance running and inspired countless others.