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Sporting Witness: Women's Marathon Pioneer

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Katherine Switzer

02/03/2012

Women's Marathon Pioneer

BBC World Service - Sporting Witness, Women's Marathon Pioneer

How Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967

How Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon in 1967.

In 1967, the American athlete Kathrine Switzer, became the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.

At the time, athletics officials believed women were incapable of running more than a mile and a half.

After crossing the finishing line, Switzer was disqualified.

It was an experience that turned her into a campaigner for women's sport.

Picture: A Boston Marathon official attempts to stop Katherine Switzer, Credit: Associated Press

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