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Kathrine Switzer Facts & Worksheets

Kathrine Switzer is an American athlete and women's rights advocate who is best known for her historic participation in the Boston Marathon in 1967.

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Kathrine Switzer is an American athlete and women’s rights advocate who is best known for her historic participation in the Boston Marathon in 1967. At the time, the Boston Marathon was exclusively a men’s race, but Switzer registered using her initials “K.V. Switzer” and became the first woman to run as a numbered participant.

See the fact file below for more information on Kathrine Switzer, or you can download our 27-page Kathrine Switzer worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

EARLY LIFE

  • Kathrine Switzer, born on January 5, 1947, was born in Amberg, Germany, where her father, an officer in the United States Army, was stationed at the time. Her family moved frequently due to her father’s military service, and they eventually settled in Virginia, United States.
  • In high school, Switzer developed a passion for running and became a member of her school’s track team. She continued her athletic pursuits at Lynchburg College in Virginia, where she studied journalism. During her college years, Switzer competed in various sports, including running, field hockey, and basketball.
  • In 1967, Switzer registered for the Boston Marathon using her initials, “K.V. Switzer,” to disguise her gender. At that time, women were not officially allowed to participate in the marathon.
  • However, on the day of the race, race official Jock Semple noticed Switzer’s presence and attempted to forcibly remove her from the course. With the support of her boyfriend and other male runners, Switzer managed to continue and finish the race, becoming a trailblazer for women’s participation in marathon running.
  • After graduating from college, Switzer focused on promoting women’s running and advocating for gender equality in sports. She went on to complete over 30 marathons, including the Boston Marathon multiple times, and won the New York City Marathon in 1974. 
  • Switzer played a significant role in the inclusion of women’s marathons in the Olympic Games, which were introduced in 1984.
  • Aside from her athletic achievements, Switzer pursued a successful career in journalism, working as a television commentator and sports journalist. She has also authored several books, including her memoir “Marathon Woman,” which recounts her experiences as a female athlete and activist.
  • Kathrine Switzer’s early life and education shaped her passion for running and laid the foundation for her groundbreaking achievements as a marathon runner and advocate for women’s sports. Her determination and activism have inspired countless female athletes around the world.

THE BOSTON MARATHON

  • The Boston Marathon is one of the most prestigious and oldest annual marathons in the world. It is held on Patriot’s Day, which is the third Monday in April, in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. The race attracts elite athletes, recreational runners, and participants from around the globe.
  • It covers a distance of 26.2 miles (42.195 kilometers) and follows a point-to-point course. It starts in the town of Hopkinton and finishes in downtown Boston, near Copley Square. 
  • The course takes runners through various cities and towns in Massachusetts, including Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, and Brookline.
  • The Boston Marathon has a rich history dating back to its inaugural race in 1897. It has become a symbol of resilience, determination, and athletic excellence. 
  • The event attracts both professional and amateur runners, and participants must meet specific qualifying time standards to be eligible to enter the race. 
  • However, it was exclusively participated in by men before women were officially allowed to compete. Since 1897, it was considered a men’s-only event. Women were not given the opportunity to officially enter or participate in the race.

ENTRY OF WOMEN

  • Kathrine Switzer’s participation in the 1967 Boston Marathon challenged this gender barrier. 
  • Her act of registering and running the marathon as “K.V. Switzer” with a bib number drew attention to the issue of gender inequality in sports and sparked a change in attitudes towards women’s participation in marathons.
  • Following Switzer’s bold participation, the Boston Marathon did not immediately change its rules. It took a few more years for women to be officially recognized and allowed to participate. 
  • In 1972, the Boston Marathon officially opened its doors to women, making it one of the first major marathons to do so.
  • Nina Kuscsik, an American runner, became the first officially recognized female winner of the Boston Marathon in the same year.
  • Since then, women have become an integral part of the Boston Marathon, with numerous female runners achieving remarkable performances and breaking records.
  • The inclusion of women has contributed to the growth, diversity, and competitiveness of the event, making it a more inclusive and representative platform for all runners.
  • The first woman to win the Boston Marathon was Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb in 1966, a year before women were officially allowed to compete in the race. However, her victory was not recognized by the race organizers at the time.

OTHER ENDEAVORS KATHRINE SWITZER

  • Apart from her pioneering role in the Boston Marathon and her advocacy for women’s sports, Kathrine Switzer has been involved in various other endeavors throughout her life. Here are some notable aspects of her career:
  • Author and Speaker: Switzer is a prolific author and speaker, sharing her experiences and insights on running, women’s empowerment, and social change. Her memoir, “Marathon Woman,” published in 2007, chronicles her journey as a female athlete and advocate. She has also written other books, including “Running and Walking for Women Over 40” and “Switzer’s Rules: Finding Your Best Self.”
  • Founder of 261 Fearless: In 2015, Switzer founded the global non-profit organization called 261 Fearless, named after her bib number in the 1967 Boston Marathon. The organization aims to empower women through running, providing them with a supportive community and access to physical fitness programs. 
  • Broadcast Commentator: Switzer has worked as a television commentator and analyst for various sports events, including the New York City, Boston, and Chicago Marathons. Her insightful commentary and deep understanding of the sport have made her a respected figure in the running community.
  • Sports Administration: Switzer has served in leadership roles in sports administration. She was the founder and former president of the Avon Running Global Women’s Circuit, a series of international women’s races. 
  • Philanthropy and Fundraising: Switzer has been actively involved in philanthropic efforts related to running and women’s empowerment. She has raised significant funds for charitable causes through her participation in marathons and other endurance events.

Kathrine Switzer Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Kathrine Switzer across 27 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Kathrine Switzer, an American athlete and women’s rights advocate who is best known for her historic participation in the Boston Marathon in 1967.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

  1. Kathrine Switzer Facts
  2. A Marathon Runner
  3. Athlete Profile
  4. Women Empowerment
  5. Gender Equality
  6. Then and Now
  7. The 27th Mile
  8. International Women’s Day
  9. Clocked Maze
  10. Winning Women
  11. Notable Female Athletes
  12. Women and Sports

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kathrine Switzer?

Kathrine Switzer is a former American long-distance runner and sports activist. She gained worldwide fame in 1967 when she became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon as a numbered entrant, despite women not being allowed to participate in the race at that time.

How did Kathrine Switzer manage to run the Boston Marathon when it was male-only?

Kathrine Switzer registered for the 1967 Boston Marathon using her initials “K.V. Switzer,” which hid her gender. At the time, there was no explicit rule against women running the race, but it was widely considered a male-only event. She managed to complete most of the race before race official Jock Semple, realizing she was a woman, attempted to physically remove her from the course. However, Switzer’s male companions protected her, and she went on to finish the marathon.

What impact did Kathrine Switzer’s participation have on women’s sports?

Kathrine Switzer’s historic run at the Boston Marathon played a significant role in advancing women’s rights and opportunities in sports. Her determination and defiance against gender barriers helped break down the discriminatory practices that excluded women from participating in long-distance races. Following her milestone, more doors opened for female athletes, leading to the eventual inclusion of women’s long-distance running events in major competitions.

Did Kathrine Switzer continue her running career after the Boston Marathon incident?

Yes, Kathrine Switzer continued her running career after the Boston Marathon incident. She became an accomplished long-distance runner, winning the 1974 New York City Marathon. Throughout her career, she was an advocate for women’s sports and worked to increase opportunities and recognition for female athletes.

Besides her running career, what other contributions has Kathrine Switzer made?

Kathrine Switzer is not only known for her running achievements but also for her activism in promoting sports opportunities for women. She co-founded “261 Fearless,” a global non-profit organization that empowers women through running, and encourages them to overcome social, cultural, and emotional barriers. Switzer has also been a television commentator, an author, and a public speaker, using her platform to inspire and advocate for gender equality in sports and beyond.

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Use With Any Curriculum

These worksheets have been specifically designed for use with any international curriculum. You can use these worksheets as-is, or edit them using Google Slides to make them more specific to your own student ability levels and curriculum standards.

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