Katherine Switzer

A pioneering female runner who broke barriers in marathon racing and advocated for women's athletic rights.

Katherine Switzer, born in 1947, made history as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon with an official number in 1967. Her participation sparked global debates about gender equality in sports. Switzer’s determination to compete despite organizers attempting to physically remove her mid-race became a symbol of female empowerment. She later co-founded the Avon Running Program, which introduced millions of women worldwide to running as a form of exercise and self-expression. Switzer’s advocacy led to the inclusion of the women’s marathon in the Olympics in 1984. Her memoir, 《Marathon Girl》, details her struggles and triumphs. Switzer’s legacy is celebrated in documentaries like 《49 Miles》, highlighting her role in reshaping societal perceptions of women in sports.