Switzer’s Incredible Tale of Trailblazing for Women’s Running

By Marnie Kunz,
Certified run coach and Runstreet founder

Kathrine Switzer’s ‘Marathon Woman’ book is one of the best running books I’ve read. Many of us know Switzer for her historic run as the first woman to officially enter and complete the Boston Marathon and for the infamous photo of a race official trying to grab her and pull her out mid-race. But reading ‘Marathon Woman: Running the Race to Revolutionize Women’s Sports’ provides so much more context to her achievements. It explores her tireless advocacy for women’s running and recounts the many hard-fought battles to get women’s long-distance running events officially recognized in races like the Boston Marathon and the Olympics. In this book review, I’ll share my takeaways from ‘Marathon Woman’ as a runner, a woman, a fellow New Yorker, and a human. This review explores Switzer’s personal journey of courage and determination, and how her acts of defiance sparked a global movement—forever changing the landscape of women’s sports and opening the doors of long-distance running to women worldwide.

marathon woman book kathrine switzer boston marathon historic photos — The infamous photos of Kathrine Switzer running the Boston Marathon in 1967 when Jock Semple tried to pull her out of the race.

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Get the Book: ‘Marathon Woman’ by Kathrine Switzer

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marathon woman book kathrine switzer running — Photo by Hagen Hopkins.

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Kathrine Switzer’s Personal Race – The Story Behind the Icon

One of the central themes of the ‘Marathon Woman’ book is Switzer’s love of running. Her passion began early when she used to run solo as a kid, encouraged by her parents, even though at the time there was no outlet for women’s running, with only men’s teams and races. In college, inspired by that passion, Switzer joined the all-men’s cross country team at Syracuse University.

Her coach, Arnie Briggs, who was also the university mailman and a veteran Boston marathoner, trained with her. Despite his early skepticism about women running marathons (a common belief at the time, as people claimed women’s bodies couldn’t handle the distance), Briggs came to believe in Switzer’s endurance and grit. Together, they decided she would take on the legendary Boston Marathon, which had no women’s division and didn’t officially recognize women runners.

Switzer trained hard and registered for the 1967 Boston Marathon as “K.V. Switzer.” At the time, many people - both men and women - opposed the idea of women running, especially long distances like the marathon. During her grueling long-distance practice runs in Syracuse, some women even tried to drive her off the road in outrage. Yet at the same time, there were others, often women, who cheered her on, encouraging a growing spirit of sisterhood.

In the 1967 Boston Marathon, her first marathon, Switzer received a fairly welcoming reception from many male runners. But some race officials were horrified that a woman was in the race. In the famous photograph, race organizer Jock Semple lunged at Switzer, grabbing at her sweatshirt (this was before running clothes were even made for women) and trying to forcibly remove her from the race. Switzer recounts in vivid detail her horror as the burly man attempted to pull her out. With help from her teammates, she broke free and continued running, determined to finish the race.

Throughout that marathon and in the years that followed, Switzer displayed unwavering resolve. She understood the larger implications of quitting: how quickly people would claim she had failed because she was a woman. Her perseverance in completing the race, and her later achievements - including her 1974 New York City Marathon win and personal bests - showcased her athletic talent and determination.

The Aftermath of Switzer’s 1967 Boston Marathon Race

marathon woman book kathrine Switzer boston marathon 1967 — Kathrine Switzer persevering in the 1967 Boston Marathon.

After the race, despite officially registering and completing the Boston Marathon, Switzer was immediately disqualified by race officials. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU), the governing body for amateur sports in the United States at the time, also expelled her from competitive running. This ban prevented her from participating in any AAU-sanctioned events. Her coach and boyfriend, who had supported her in the race, were also expelled.

The now-iconic photographs of race official Jock Semple attempting to physically remove Switzer from the course were published worldwide. These images thrust Switzer into an intense global spotlight, igniting both strong support and fierce backlash. She received piles of mail - some hate-filled, some overflowing with admiration and gratitude - from people around the world. The polarized responses reflected deep societal divides about women’s participation in endurance sports.

Rather than deter her, the incident strengthened Switzer’s resolve. She realized that her finishing the race wasn’t just a personal victory; it was a bold statement about women’s capabilities. Her fear and humiliation transformed into fierce determination to fight for women’s inclusion in running and sports at large.

Paving the Way – Switzer’s Impact on Women’s Running

Far from deterring her, the Boston Marathon incident solidified Switzer’s determination. She realized that finishing the race was not just a personal accomplishment but a powerful statement. Her fear and humiliation transformed into a fierce resolve to continue running and to actively fight for women's right to participate in the sport. This moment became a catalyst for her lifelong advocacy for women’s running and participation in sports. Her bravery and endurance in the 1967 Boston Marathon also made Switzer one of the iconic figures of the women’s rights and women’s sports movement that would gain momentum in the 1970s.

Switzer's experience fueled a concerted effort by her and other female runners and advocates to challenge existing rules. Through tireless campaigning, women were officially allowed to enter and compete in the Boston Marathon starting in 1972. Other races soon followed suit. Switzer played a crucial role in the movement to include the women's marathon in the Olympic Games, which finally happened in 1984 in Los Angeles.

Her subsequent work, such as founding the Avon International Running Circuit, created hundreds of races in dozens of countries, providing opportunities for millions of women to participate in running where none existed before.

marathon woman book kathrine switzer 2017 boston marathon — Switzer running the 2017 Boston Marathon, 50 years after her debut.

Switzer’s savvy PR work for women’s running and her tireless appearances, races, and advocacy for women at running events and other sports events paved the way for women’s recognition and right to run the Boston Marathon in 1972 and the Olympic Games in 1984. Switzer was a master collaborator and also worked with iconic sports figures such as Billie Jean King and Fred Lebow, the founder of the New York City Marathon, to open more doors for women to run and participate in sports around the world.

Switzer also established the non-profit organization 261 Fearless (named after her iconic 1967 Boston Marathon bib number), continuing her mission to empower women globally through running, fostering community and confidence.

‘Marathon Woman’ Book Review

When I picked up the ‘Marathon Woman’ book, I thought it would be an interesting look at Kathrine Switzer’s 1967 Boston Marathon run, but the book captures much more than a moment in history. I didn’t know how much the thoughtfully written memoir would delve into Switzer’s life as a runner, a tireless spokesperson for women’s running, her eventful life in NYC, and her travels around the world. Switzer, as a professional journalist, weaves a compelling story that is relatable and also awe-inspiring in her ongoing dedication and efforts to bring women’s races to the world.

Writing Style

Switzer’s style is engaging and honest, with frank accounts of everything from her gritty Manhattan apartment in 1970s New York to her feelings of pain, pride, and determination as the sole female in many marathons. She also delves into her relationships with different men she loved, presenting a coming of age tale that runs parallel to her running and journalism career. As a New Yorker, I also loved learning more about her significant contributions to the New York City Marathon and how she helped enlist sponsorships for the New York Road Runners’ early races that included women, from the Women’s Mini 10K to the NYC Marathon. I was also amazed at her dedication to pursuing a career in journalism and PR at a time when women were rarely hired and very underpaid in those industries.

marathon woman book kathrine switzer and fearless girl statue nyc — Switzer with the Fearless Girl statue in New York City.

Themes

The ‘Marathon Woman’ book delves into powerful themes including courage, resilience, social justice, the power of individual action, and the joy of running. With the simple act of running and doing something she loved despite widespread criticism, Switzer demonstrates how one person truly can change the world.

Reading this book, I was in awe of Switzer’s selfless dedication to opening up a new world of possibilities for women through running. In today’s age of social media influencers who don’t “do” much but self-promote, Switzer is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of how hard women worked to win us the right to run and participate in sports.

‘Marathon Woman’ is a must-read for runners, women athletes, feminists, and anyone interested in social history. Whether you’re an avid marathon runner or love learning about American history, you’ll get a lot out of this book. Even though I’m a lifelong runner, I realized there was a lot I didn’t know about women’s running and the marathon. I learned so much about the history of the NYC Marathon as well. I was amazed to learn how recently women were not allowed to participate in road races, especially the marathon. The book opened my eyes to the struggles Switzer and her allies endured to get marathons to allow women to enter and be recognized, with the 1984 Olympics being the first time women could run the marathon at the Olympics.

An Enduring Legacy

Reading the ‘Marathon Woman’ book is a life-changing experience that will forever alter how you see marathons and women’s sports. Through Switzer’s engrossing story, the book demonstrates how it takes ongoing work, persistence, and collaboration to bring about social change and open doors for people. In the book, Switzer's actions and continued advocacy challenged societal norms about women's physical capabilities and their place in sports.

This book cements Switzer’s place as a groundbreaking sports hero for women and runners. Her historic running of the Boston Marathon from 1967 into the 1970s shows how much effort and determination she put into creating opportunities for women to run the Boston Marathon and many others. Switzer is one of the true heroes of women’s running and women’s participation in sports, and she is an enduring symbol of perseverance, equality, and the power of sport for women globally.

If you want an inspiring read that’s rich in history, I encourage you to pick up the Marathon Woman book. ‘Marathon Woman’ is a reminder that courage, persistence, and passion can open doors for generations to come. Through her fascinating story, Switzer shows how one person’s courage can inspire millions to find their fearless stride. Switzer’sjourney will inspire you to chase your goals with determination, no matter the obstacles. Start your own chapter by ordering Marathon Woman from Bookshop or Amazon.

Learn more about Kathrine Switzer on her website.

Marnie Kunz is a NASM-certified personal trainer and USATF- and RRCA-certified running coach based in Brooklyn, NY. Marnie likes helping people get and stay active to enjoy a better quality of life. When she’s not doing fitness things, Marnie enjoys exploring with her dog, a mischievous rescue Akita.

Marathon Woman Book Review: Kathrine Switzer’s Running Legacy