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In 1967, Katherine Switzer became the first woman to run the male-only Boston Marathon by using a ruse to get her bib (she used her initials on the entry form to conceal the fact she was a woman). During the race longtime organizer Jock Semple rushed at her trying to take her numbers and eject her from the race. Switzer's boyfriend Tom Miller, a 235-pound, former All-American football player, delivered a block that became immortalized in the above photos.
This year's Boston Marathon, to be held in two weeks, is the 45th anniversary of that event and the 40th anniversary of the restriction against women running the race being lifted. As a result, it seems there has been a renewal of interest in Switzer's famous run.
Kathrine Switzer speaks about being a running pioneer | Morning Call
The First Woman To Enter The Boston Marathon | NPR
Women at the Boston Marathon: 40 years and running | The Milford Daily News
45 Years Ago, An Enraged Boston Marathon Race Director Attacked A Female Runner | Deadspin
In other news...
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Participant Cap Increased for Houston Marathon | Click2Houston
The Associated Press: Micah True's death clouds future of ultra-marathon - Associated Press