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The First Woman to Run the Boston Marathon
Throughout history, women have advanced the cause of equal rights in a male-dominated society. Key figures in the fight for women’s rights include Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst. In the realm of sports, German marathon runner Kathrine Switzer challenged the status quo by becoming the first woman to participate in the Boston Marathon. In 1967, women were prohibited from entering the race.
Despite this ban, Switzer was not deterred. When race official Jock Semple attempted to stop her by trying to remove her race bib, she remained resolute. Her boyfriend, Thomas Miller, who was also competing, assisted by pushing the interfering official aside. Fast forward five years to 1972, and women were officially allowed to compete in the race.
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