:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/assets/1039863/Switzer.jpg)
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...
Alexandria’s Brooke Curran on winning the Antarctica Marathon - The Washington Post
“In Antarctica terms, we had good weather,” said Curran, back in the comfort of a Del Ray coffeehouse where we chatted about her adventure. By any other standard, it was miserable. “It was mud, it was hills, it was streams, it was slick, it was windy. It was sleet. It was snow. More wind.”
Participant Cap Increased for Houston Marathon | Click2Houston
The Associated Press: Micah True's death clouds future of ultra-marathon - Associated Press