This is a photo from the June 2019 opening of the Kathrine Switzer Stadium track, they opened it when it was finished so the public could use it, and it was opened by these young children running a 100 meter relay around the track all wearing 261 bibs. Photo credit is Jean Louis Burnot.
MEDIA CONTACT – Joshua Milne, joshuamilnepr.com, 617-501-1620
CITY OF DUNKIRK, MAYOR PATRICE VERGRIETE TO DEDICATE STADIUM IN HONOR OF BOSTON MARATHON LEGEND, AMERICAN LONG-DISTANCE RUNNING CHAMPION AND WOMEN’S SPORTS ICON KATHRINE SWITZER
Kathrine Switzer to Travel to Dunkirk, France to Participate in Ceremonies
DUNKIRK, France – September 4, 2019 – The City of Dunkirk (France) will honor American long-distance running pioneer and United States Women’s Hall of Famer Kathrine Switzer on September 14-15, 2019 when the Dunkirk City Council and Mayor Patrice Vergriete officiate and dedicate “Stade d’Athlétisme Kathrine Switzer” (“Kathrine Switzer Stadium”) during official inauguration ceremonies for the athletics stadium.
Switzer, the 1967 Boston Marathon icon who broke gender barriers in sports by creating global empowering running opportunities for women, was chosen for the naming honor because, according to Mayor Patrice Vergriete, she reflects the same determination and fearlessness of the city of Dunkirk: “Eighty percent of the City of Dunkerque was destroyed during World War II. Our city never gave up during this tumultuous time. Through you, as a woman, a sportswoman, a journalist and writer who also never gives up, we would like to honor all of those who make women’s rights progress, and struggle to defeat those who deny your rights. We want to highlight the emancipation values and the universal meaning of sport. These are values to which Dunkerque and I personally are very committed,” said Vergriete.
