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In 1967, women sports pioneer Kathrine Switzer challenged the notion that women did not belong in the marathon distance. That year, she registered for the Boston Marathon under the pseudonym K.V. Switzer, was manhandled and nearly pulled off the course by the race director, but ultimately finished. Still, Boston continued to hold steadfast to its all-male tradition until 1972.
That was only the beginning of her advocacy for women’s equality in the sport of running. In 1978 Switzer created the Avon International Women’s Running Circuit, a series of 400 races held in 27 countries around the world. The goal was to get the attention of the International Olympic Committee and convince them there was enough talent and interest in the sport to make the women’s marathon an official Olympic event. Her efforts, and all of the women who…
