Despite the attack, Kathrine continued running and went on to finish in four hours and 20 minutes. Switzer's boyfriend jumped in and held back Race Director Jock Swimple - who was grabbing her, yelling, "get the hell out of my race". Switzer is being physically assaulted by Boston Marathon race officials who are attempting to prevent her from running. Because she had registered under the initials "K.V.", no-one noticed a woman was running until after the race had begun.and when they did find out.all hell broke loose: In 1967 when Kathrine ran, women were not officially allowed to enter the race - they had only run "unofficially" without race numbers. Second, one of the big reasons why I was inspired to get running again, and a topic I was ALREADY planning to write about, is this picture of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to enter and run as an official numbered entry in the Boston Marathon. First off, I had absolutely no idea (which is kind of ridiculous.I mean, I don't see acknowledgement of this day anywhere other than my Runners World Calendar, but that's a rant for another time, I guess.) And guess what?ĭid you know that today is Women's Equality Day?! Then I looked at the calendar.LITERALLY, just now, to confirm that there was nothing special going on today in the world.
I didn't think there was anything significant about today, August 26 - but I thought, hey, its as good a day as any to start, as long as I'm motivated to finish, right? Usually before I start any kind of a workout program or routine, I look for a day with some significance to kick off.like my birthday or some day when all the planets are aligned in my horoscope, or a countdown to some nerve-racking reunion. I'll be going for my first half-hour run tonight. Day One of the Thirty Day Running Challenge.