Marathon Monday 2022 Women Blazing a Trail - Inspiration and Action!
Two people running on the beach.
Today in the running world, runners all over the world are celebrating the Boston Marathon. A historic race that, over the course of its 124 years, has reflected much of what was or is occurring in society at the time. For example, this year remembers and honors the 50th anniversary of the official inclusion of women in the race. 50 years ago an eight-woman field saw American Nina Kuscsik win the race in a time of 3:10:26. For many years women were not allowed to race. It wasn’t until Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb from 1966-68 famously hid in the bushes until the race started and ran without an official race number. In 1967 another courageous woman, Kathrine Switzer, signed up to run by using her initials, “K. V. Switzer,” and was granted an official bib. In a famous incident caught by photographers, Boston Athletic Association officials attempted to unsuccessfully physically remove Katherine from the race. Ten years later in 1977 Marilyn Bevans became the first African American to run the Boston Marathon with a sub three hour marathon time of 2:51:12.
It was because several brave individuals took a stand and said that we belong as equals that women all over the world race today in this historic race as well as other races around the world. We stand on the shoulders of individuals who come before us and it is essential to acknowledge their risks, joys, and tenacity. It is because they took risks and stood against what they knew was not right. How often do we hear this call to action? I am guessing we hear it a lot in different formats and from different sources. We hear it because it is worth taking that moment now and in the future.
It can be easy to become caught up in our own worlds and forget the context. Context is essential. It helps give orientation. We do not exist in a vacuum. Others have come before us and we need to acknowledge their work and give honor to what they accomplished and fought for to make today's landscape different.
take action moment today:
Think of someone in your life or someone that you do not know who has taken a risk to advocate for change. Take a moment to send that person a note if they are still with you, and if the person is not, still consider writing your thoughts down and letting that person know how much you appreciate their actions.
To read more about the history of women in the Boston Marathon:
NBC Sports - 2022 Boston Marathon celebrates 50th anniversary of official women’s division
Running Organizations Empowering Women:
*Please note that this is not an all inclusive list. There are many organizations out there doing amazing work. You are fully empowered to explore them all and learn more!