Distance running legend Kathrine Switzer laces them up for this year’s Boston 10K for Women Presented by REI Co-op, her first time running New England’s largest all-women’s sporting event. The running icon will run alongside more than 4,000 women on October 7.
Switzer has earned trailblazer status through her years of advocating for women to hold a place in sports, specifically running. The world-renowned marathon runner became associated with bib number 261 after inspiring photos circulated of her running the 1967 Boston Marathon against all odds. At the time, people didn’t think women could run marathons, and the race director tried to physically remove Switzer from the race. In finishing the race, she became the first woman to wear a bib number, and officially complete the Boston Marathon. That historic moment helped spark a revolution for women’s participation in athletics. She’s continued to provide space for women in sports with her global non-profit 261 Fearless, which is committed to empowering women through running.
“I’ve long admired the Boston 10K for Women and the propulsion it has given to the women’s running,” said Switzer. “I’m thrilled to finally share the race-day energy with thousands of women at this historic race.”
The local 261 Fearless Club New England will host a tent at Boston Common on race day. They will also co‑host a panel with the Boston 10K for Women and TrailblazHers on Thursday, October 5 at 6:00 PM at the Reggie Lewis Center in Roxbury. Registration for the panel is free and open here.
