🏃♀️ The woman who wouldn’t stop running
In 1967, Kathrine Switzer signed up for the Boston Marathon using her initials: K.V. Switzer.
She loved running. She trained hard. And she had no idea her simple act of participation would change history.
At the time, people believed women couldn’t — and shouldn’t — run marathons. They were told it would harm their bodies. Even damage their reproductive health.
But Kathrine didn’t listen.
By kilometer six, an official tried to physically remove her bib.
“Get the hell out of my race and give me those numbers!” he screamed.
Her coach, Arnie Briggs, and boyfriend, Tom Miller, pushed the man away. She kept running.
Four hours and twenty minutes later — she crossed the finish line.
She was disqualified. Then banned.
But she didn’t stop.
Instead, she became an activist — fighting to open road races to women across the world.
In 1972, the Boston Marathon officially welcomed women. In 1984, the first women’s marathon appeared at the Olympic Games.
All thanks to someone who refused to stop running when told to.
🕊️ You don’t need permission to make history. Just courage to keep going.
And to anyone pushed to the sidelines — remember:
🪶 Every fall has a rise. Every struggle has a story.
🏅 Turn moments of defiance into powerful messages
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🙋 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Kathrine Switzer?
A: The first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, in 1967, despite rules and attempts to stop her.
Q: Did she win?
A: She finished in 4h20 — but her greatest victory was what it changed for women in sport.
Q: Why is this on LowToGlory?
A: Because fighting injustice with courage and community always deserves to be celebrated.
Q: Can I suggest a barrier-breaking story?
A: Yes. Email hi@lowtoglory.com and we’ll help honor it.
