2025 Cause for Celebration: Katherine Switzer
Katherine Switzer was attacked by race director Jock Semple at the 1967 Boston Marathon.
This week we celebrate the inspiring story of Katherine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon as an officially registered competitor. As you can see here, her historic run didn’t happen without pushback…literally.
In 1967, women were not allowed to compete in the esteemed Boston Marathon because of the AAU, who governed the race. Switzer had to enter stealthily.
A male friend picked up her race packet and she wore a hooded sweatshirt during the race to hide her long hair. She also signed her race registration using her initials “K.V. Switzer” to further hide the fact that she was a female competitor.
Race day began without a hitch, but a few short miles into the jaunt Switzer’s hoodie fell off. It didn’t take long to attract the attention of race co-director Jock Semple, who had a reputation for causing trouble with racers.
“Get the hell out of my race and give me those numbers,” Semple screamed at Switzer before charging at her and trying to rip her bib off. Reacting immediately, Switzer’s boyfriend launched himself into Semple, allowing her to finish the race and make history.
