THE FIRST WOMAN to officially compete in the Boston Marathon ran the race again yesterday, 50 years after she first entered.
Kathrine Switzer donned bib number 261, the same number she wore when she entered the all-male race 50 years ago, using only her initials, KV.
At that time in 1967, women weren’t allowed to enter the race, and a marathon official was pictured trying to rip the bib number from then-20-year-old Switzer’s back.
Yesterday, the 70-year-old Switzer was hailed as a trailblazer who paved the way for women’s distance runners across the world.
The BBC reports that Switzer has now taken part in the marathon nine times in total, and has won the New York marathon.
She has completed a total of 40 marathons as well as other races in her career.
Wearing the same number that was almost torn off her back in 1967, Switzer yesterday recorded a race time of four hours, 44 minutes and 31 seconds.
Over 12,300 women competed in the famous race yesterday.
It is four years now since the Boston Marathon Bombing, which left three people dead and injured hundreds of others.
Speaking on Facebook following the race, Switzer said:
I finished, like I did 50 years ago. We are here to change the life of women. Just imagine what’s gonna happen in 50 years!
With reporting from AP
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