Kathrine Switzer is an American marathon runner turned author and TV commentator. Kathrine is widely known as the first woman to officially run the Boston marathon. She regularly overcame adversity and bypassed preventions put in place, making history and changing the sport forever.
Kathrine began her athletics journey at the age of 12 as training in order to make it into the high school hockey team. She ran a mile a day as well as playing sports. Kathrine attended Syracuse University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and English Literature then went on to complete a master’s degree three years later. At university, she got permission to train with the men’s team where she was welcomed. However, due to NCAA regulations, it was not allowed for women to officially run and compete on the men’s team. Following her involvement in sports at the university, she met Arnie Briggs for the first time.
While training under Arnie Briggs, he insisted that no woman could run the marathon but if she proved she could run the distance, he would take her to Boston. She ran 31 miles (5 miles more than she needed to) proving Briggs wrong and they went to Boston in 1974. Two miles in, the race co-ordinator realised she was a woman and tried to rip her number off to prevent her from running in the race. Famously, Kathrine’s boyfriend pushed the co-ordinator to the floor, and she went on to complete the race becoming the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon. Following this event, Kathrine continued to be an advocate for women in sport and has gone on to run many more marathons all over the world. Her work has driven change in the world of women’s sports and she has since been awarded several accolades. She was named as the Runner of the Decade from 1967-77. Kathrine’s impact on the running world for women was also recognised when she was named in the inaugural class of inductees into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame. In 2007, Kathrine published a book ‘Marathon Woman’ in which she tells her inspirational story. In addition to this, Switzer has won multiple Emmy awards for contributions in TV as a sports commentator. 45 years on from her first completion of the Boston Marathon, Kathrine was named a ‘Hero of Running’ in 2012.
Kathrine Switzer is an inspiring and engaging woman who continues to make positive changes. A sought-after speaker, don't hesitate in booking Kathrine Switzer today!
How to hire Kathrine Switzer
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Kathrine Switzer for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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Kathrine's speaking topics are listed below.
- Business
- Become the Hero in Your Own Life
- Take Charge of Your Body, Take Charge of Your Life
- Sports: Marathon Woman: My Story, Your Story (and not for women only)
- Forestalling the Aging Process
“The many comments and critiques we received in regard to our recent national convention overwhelmingly confirm that a significant contribution to its success was your address at our Opening General Session for an audience of 1100. The audience’s reaction clearly demonstrated that your address unleashed hope and optimism that each person has the power to overcome obstacles and challenges and reach new heights personally and professionally. I especially appreciated your personal interest in our members, staying on long after your memorable speech, answering questions responding to their concerns, and signing autographs. It was a remarkable and unique occasion, and I was particularly glad to have witnessed it. Any of us who heard you that day would recommend you highly as a speaker at other professional association conferences. Thank you!” — Janet M. Treichel, PhD, Executive Director NBEA (National Business Education Association)
“Your speech was so perfect! The audience was riveted, and left inspired and committed. I think two standing ovations says it all! Your profile and the publicity you generated increased our audience for this important annual luncheon and fund-raiser. I also must thank you for doing a long and significant interview on National Public Radio for us; that was a real coup for our organization.” —Marianne M. Jones, Executive Director, Women’s Fund of New Hampshire
Now that is what I call a Home Run! The women sitting in front and alongside of me were so touched by your words they were weeping. You really put astonishing feeling into what running means to women and made our 40th Anniversary of Women at the Boston Marathon very special.Thank you.” — Gloria Ratti, Vice President, Board of Governors, Boston Athletic Association (BAA).
- 2012 – Named Hero of Running
- 2000 – Named a Visionary of the Century
- 1998 – First class of inductees into the National Distance Running Hall of Fame
- 1976 – Named Runner of the Decade
- 1975 – Ran her fastest Boston Marathon time of 2 hours 51 minutes ranking as 3rd fastest American woman and 6th fastest woman in the world
- 1974 – Won the New York City Marathon
- 1967 – First woman to run the Boston Marathon
- Ran the Boston Marathon 8 times
- Ran the New York City Marathon 4 times
