1/12 We talked to Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to ever run the Boston Marathon.

Find out about her pioneering race in Boston, the power of running, and forgiveness.

2/12 In 1967, Kathrine Switzer, a 20-year-old Syracuse student, became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon.

A few miles into the race, a marathon official attacked Switzer, trying to get her to withdraw.

But Switzer kept running and eventually, finished.

3/12 “The myth prevailing then about women running was that a woman would turn into a man, get big legs, grow hair on her chest, or maybe even ‘turn’ into a lesbian.

They also thought that her uterus would fall out, and she would never be able to have children.”

4/12 ROS: How did you get involved with running against that backdrop?

KS: “Men had 25 sports, all with scholarships. Women had playdates.

But I was a runner, and I felt I could run by myself.”

So she began running.

5/12 Kathrine told us that before entering the marathon, a volunteer coach, who was an ex-marathoner, helped her train.

She said, “I told him that one day, I wanted to run a marathon, and he said, ‘A woman cannot possibly run a marathon distance’...”

6/12 KS: [My coach said], ‘Look, if you show me in practice that a woman could do it, I’d be the first person to take you to the Boston Marathon.’”

Kathrine showed him, easily. She then registered for the marathon under “K.V. Switzer.” They had no idea “K.V.” was a woman.

7/12 ROS: What were you thinking when the official grabbed you in the middle of the race?

KS: “I was going to finish it on my hands and my knees if I had to, because women were always being told they were barging into places where they’re not welcome, and they can’t do it…”

8/12 KS: “And I knew—as embarrassed and scared as I was—if I dropped out, everybody would say, ‘See? She’s just here for a joke.’”

9/12 ROS: Did you ever speak with the official again?

KS: “I forgave him right away. But we women got to work, legislated, campaigned, and changed the rules and got official in 1972. By then, he had to admit us to the race, legally…”

10/12 KS: “I went to visit him a few hours before he died. People say, ‘Whoa, that’s a lot of forgiveness.’

And I say, ‘You know what? Life’s really way too short to carry that around.’”

11/12 To read our full interview with Kathrine Switzer, go to: https://www.religionofsports.com/we-talked-to-the-first-woman-to-ever-run-the-boston-marathon/

12/12 If you enjoyed this thread, you should:

1. Follow @religionofsport for the latest inspiring sports stories
2. Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, where we showcase the latest and greatest stories in the world of sports: http://eepurl.com/dgLHtP