April 19, 1967 — A Day That Changed Sports History.

On that unforgettable day, Kathrine Switzer made history at the Boston Marathon. Lining up at the starting line with bib #261, she concealed her identity with the initials “K.V. Switzer,” knowing that, at the time, women weren’t allowed to run the marathon. They were considered “too fragile” for such a feat.

But Kathrine had no intention of being sidelined by outdated beliefs. Mid-race, chaos erupted when official Jock Semple lunged at her, shouting, “Get out of my race!” The shocking moment was captured in photographs that would later become iconic. Yet, Kathrine didn’t falter. Fellow runners came to her defense, shielding her from the official, and Kathrine pressed on, undeterred by the challenge.

She crossed the finish line in just over four hours, not only proving her personal strength but shattering the myth that women weren’t capable of running long distances. Her determination paved the way for future generations of female athletes, and by 1972, the Boston Marathon officially opened its doors to female runners.

 Today, bib #261 is more than just a number — it’s a global symbol of courage, resilience, and the unyielding fight for gender equality in sports. Kathrine didn’t just run a race that day; she ran for every woman who came after her, breaking barriers and creating a path for future pioneers in athletics.

 Kathrine Switzer’s historic run didn’t just change the race—it changed the world of sports forever. Her legacy is one of empowerment, determination, and the belief that no one should ever be sidelined because of their gender. She didn’t just run the Boston Marathon—she changed the game for all women in sports.