Today is International Women’s Day and that’s something taken seriously among runners across the globe. The running community itself has seen many incredible moments from female runners down through the decades. For feminist runners, the name Kathrine Switzer is one of the most powerful names in running. Switzer became the first woman to race Boston in 1967. She registered under “KV Switzer” rather than Kathrine and ran despite the “men’s only” rules. She even defied the race director when he tried to remove her from the course. But those who run for women today aren’t just celebrating female racing history. Many are using it to better the situation’s of women across the world. Here are some amazing things that runners across the world did today for International Women’s Day:
261 WM Women’s Marathon & 10K
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Women who raced in Spain today honored KV Switzer by naming the run after her 1967 Boston bib number. Finishers get a gift when crossing the finish and winners get invited to be guests at next year’s event. This is a race that celebrates women’s right to be a part of the marathon scene and of course, it’s a big thank-you to Switzer. Check out the video below to hear her words to runners….
