Sport Activism: A Lesson on Finishing What You Start

 Lately we’ve been discussing sport and advocacy in Sports and Strategic Communications class. I chose Kathrine “Kathy” Switzer didn’t start out being an activist, she just wanted to run in the Boston Marathon in 1967. While she was running, the race official tried to shove her off the course, but Switzer’s boyfriend shoved him to the ground. This was all captured by cameras and journalist as it took place as they rode in their trucks. Switzer knew that it was very important for her to finish the race, or it would be a huge set-back for all women if she didn’t finish. Therefore, by finishing the Boston Marathon, she broke the gender barrier and created positive social change around the world. According to Makers.com video, Kathrine Switzer: First Women to Enter the Boston Maker, “Switzer became an activist for female runners and successfully campaigned to include the women’s marathon in the Olympic Games (1984).” She continued her efforts to empower millions of women through running by founding the non-profit 261 Fearless Charity Organization.

As I watched, on YouTube, the 2020 MAKERS Conference, Switzer registered for the race under the name of “K.V. Switzer” and dressed in men’s clothing in order to run in the Boston Marathon. She was given the bib number 261. I was surprised to learn that the men at the race openly expressed their acceptance and support of her running in the marathon. Switzer further stated that men need to be a part of the gender equality conversation and “Running is a wonderful metaphor for diversity, inclusion, respect and equality, if you can do it in running you can do it anywhere.”

As I looked at the pictures and read articles of her from that day, Switzer’s grit and determination to finish what she started was very evident. I don’t think she could imagine how that race would forever change her life. Although there was no social media back then, her story spread like wildfire through television and newspaper showing the attack and her finishing the race.

Currently, social media plays a huge role in continuing retelling of her story at the 2020 MAKERS Conference, Kathrine Switzer: First Women to Enter the Boston Maker video, and 1967 Boston Marathon: The Real Story video; as well as promoting her efforts to support women runners through 261 Fearless Charity Organization. This organization utilizes all social media platforms. According to 261Fearless website, approximately 58% of all runners in the USA are women.

My son and I finished the Shamrock Marathon in 2013. His school hosted the final mile, where they would run a mile a day at his elementary school and then run the final mile at the race in Virginia Beach. I’m no marathon runner but over the past four years my son and I enjoy running/walking 5k obstacle courses and the Big Blue 5K. I even ran track in high school and metaled in several events. I can’t image the immense pressure she was under to finish the race after the race official tried to shove her out of the race. I’m sure it helped to have a supportive and protective boyfriend along with the other male runners to make sure she finished what she started.

Click on the links to read more about Kathy Switzer’s Boston Marathon Story:

• The Girl Who Started it All, Excerpted from Marathon Woman, Kathrine Switzer’s memoir: https://kathrineswitzer.com/1967-boston-marathon-the-real-story/
• The 2020 MAKERS Conference: Katherine Switzer: https://youtu.be/W3Vy0xd9_CU
• 261 Fearless – Kathrine Switzer – Boston Marathon 2017: https://youtu.be/Ky09lMh4mE8
• 261 Fearless Charity Organization: https://www.261fearless.org/join-261/charity-teams/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0PWRBhDKARIsAPKHFGgkcVqT7ROBCnqmvuieHDoLk7E3hhSTIjc8LzFzEEZ5sf_UWjz9_dMaAgc_EALw_wcB