In April of 1967, Kathrine Switzer, a journalism student at Syracuse University ♀️ entered the Bost
In April of 1967, Kathrine Switzer, a journalism student at Syracuse University ♀️ entered the Boston Marathon under the name “K.V. Switzer,” while wearing a bulky sweatsuit. At the time, the Amateur Athletics Union (AAU) did not allow women into marathons. ♂️ Women lobbied the organizers of the Boston Marathon for years to change the policy. To further the effort, many women also “illegally” ran the marathon several times prior to 1972 to change the rule. ♀️♀️ Switzer was the first woman to officially enter AND run. Once discovered, the marathon tried to forcibly drag Switzer out from the race, but Switzer finished.♀️♂️The AAU did not formally accept woman in long-distance running until the fall of 1971. Women officially started to compete in the Boston Marathon in 1972. Nina Kuscsik, who was one of 8 women who ran that year, won the marathon. She was the first woman champion in the marathon’s 74-year history. Added bonus? All 8 women who started the race, completed it. In 1975, Kathrine Switzer returned to legally run the marathon, and finished second place. Art by Liberal Jane Illustration -- source link
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