In 1967, Kathrine Switzer wanted to enter the Boston Marathon, but back then, women weren't allowed to officially enter the race. Actually, a "men-only" rule wasn't even stated in the event rulebook - it didn't have to be! That's how male-dominated the running world was in 1967. Switzer applied anyway, using her initials on the application form.

During the race, Boston Athletic Association (and ex-runner) Jock Semple spotted her and tried to forcibly remove her. The photographers captured this dramatic scene - dramatic not only for the violent physical confrontation, but because it makes manifest the moment of conflict between feminism and patriarchal forces. And it also illustrates how men can and do help women in breaking down male bastions and male prejudices: Switzer's coach, Arnie Briggs, helped not only through his coaching, but by encouraging her to obtain an official race number and picking it up in person from officials. Switzer's boyfriend, Tom Miller, supported Switzer by running with her, and he helpfully delivered a shoulder block to the intervening official, Jock Semple.

Wearing an official number made all the difference: Switzer appeared to have been condoned by the Boston Athletic Association for participating in the race, and although Bobbie Gibb defiantly ran the same race, Gibb didn't secure a number and therefore didn't garner the media attention Switzer did.

Switzer chose to kick her inner "nice girl" in the teeth, and that takes courage. Her decision led to an unstoppable chain reaction, and for that, I salute her!

Related links:

Thanks to A Bird's Eye View, who originally brought Kathrine Switzer to my attention with her post, "She runs because she feels like a hero".

Here are some related links:

• Kathrine Switzer website: http://www.katherineswitzer.com/
• "Life is for Participating" - a chapter from Gail Waesche Kislevitz's book, The Spirit of the Marathon (Breakaway Books, 2002), with an introduction by Switzer.
• "Four Who Dared" by Marlene Cimons, chronicles in more detail women who ignored the Boston Marathon's men-only rule and entered the race.