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They provide an atmosphere of non-intimidation and a lot of fun. Another reason now is the explosion of women’s-only races. It pulls together a sense of accomplishment. Kathrine Switzer: It’s sort of an exponential growth and the reason is simple: running is empowering. Why have so many women decided to jump into the sport? Oxygen: Women now account for more than half of race finishers in the U.S.
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The iconic photo of the incident became of Time-Life’s “100 Photos That Changed the World.” Switzer’s then-boyfriend, a former All-American football player, body-checked the official off the course. At the 2-mile mark, Switzer was attacked by a race official who didn’t think women should be allowed in the marathon.
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Kathrine Switzer, 67, became an instant symbol of the women’s running movement in 1967 after becoming the first officially registered woman to run the Boston Marathon that year.
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Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!
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