“My passion has always been to give women opportunities so that they could gain strength and confidence … running is a magic vehicle for making that happen,” says Switzer. The name recalls her number in that historic race and the chutzpah she had to muster to bludgeon her way through male perceptions of women’s limitations. She founded the 261 Fearless movement, an international, nonprofit-making women’s movement that focuses on the extraordinary feeling of empowerment that running gives women, whatever their athletic capabilities. Then, get your friends to 'like' your response.Switzer, now 70, is marking the 50th anniversary of her audacious entry into the world of distance running by taking part in this year’s Boston marathon as 261 Fearless team leader. To win dinner with Kathrine visit our Facebook page and share your story of overcoming adversity in your running and walking.

On Friday, September 2nd, we will be taking Kathrine and two lucky winners out to dinner.

Her books, 26.2 Marathon Stories, Running and Walking for Women Over 40, and Marathon Woman have sold millions of copies worldwide. Since Boston, Kathrine has gone one to run numerous marathons including a personal best of 2:51.33! She has gone on to be the driving force behind the first women's Olympic marathon, has been a television broadcaster and now an author and public speaker. Challenging what was at that time a male dominated sport, Kathrine became an inspiration to many woman looking to bridge the gender barrier.Įqual opportunities for women around the world have presented themselves with the help of Kathrine's work. She was able to finish the race despite attempts by race officials to remove her from the course. Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entrant in 1967, five years befor e women were officially granted entry to the event.

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