Main content
Women's Marathon Pioneer
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
Last on
Mon 5 Mar 201203:50GMT
BBC World Service Online
More episodes
Previous
Broadcasts
- Fri 2 Mar 201223:50GMTBBC World Service Online
- Sat 3 Mar 201206:50GMTBBC World Service Online
- Mon 5 Mar 201203:50GMTBBC World Service Online
Featured in...
![]()
Women in history—Witness History
Listen to and download our programmes
Podcast
![]()
Sporting Witness
Personal stories of amazing moments from sporting history told by people who were there




