As she prepared to run the Boston Marathon in April 1967, Kathrine Switzer didn't expect to make news. But after completing the first few miles, she was physically assaulted by the race manager.
"Get the hell out of my race," he screamed, grabbing Switzer's shoulder and flinging her backward as startled runners darted around the commotion.
The official, Jock Semple, did not want Switzer in the race. That's because she was the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon.
"It was totally frightening to me," she said. "The press truck and spectators were all shouting at me, 'What are you trying to prove?' and 'What are you, a suffragette?' "
Finish What You Start Like Kathrine Switzer
Despite the hubbub, 20-year-old Switzer maintained her composure and finished the race. Photos of Semple's attack became iconic images that galvanized the push for women's rights and advanced global social change.
Now 76, Switzer doesn't harbor any ill will toward Semple. In fact, they became friends.
"I forgave Jock that day," Switzer said. "I realized that it's not his fault. He's a product of his time. I stopped being angry at him."
For five years, she'd see Semple at races and other gatherings. She'd smile and say, "Jock, one day you'll come around." But he remained angry until he relented in 1972 and women became official participants in the Boston Marathon.
Switzer's ability to put the incident in perspective — and empathize with the man who chased after her on the course and tried to tear her bib number off — shows the mindset of a leader. She refused to give in to his aggression; instead, she used it as motivation to finish the race.
"In that moment, she didn't quit," said Edith Zuschmann, president and chief executive of 261 Fearless, a nonprofit global women's running network. "She made a decision to keep running. And that inspired so many people."
Inspire Women To Thrive
Switzer continued to run marathons over five decades. In 1974, she won the New York City Marathon. But she hasn't stopped at the finish line.
An activist, author and professional speaker, she helped launch 261 Fearless in 2015. (Her bib number in the 1967 Boston Marathon was 261.)
The nonprofit group, which has expanded to 13 countries, seeks to empower women to take responsibility for healthy, sustainable change in their lives. It holds education and running opportunities for women to gain self-worth and fearlessness.
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of Switzer's first marathon, 261 Fearless held a festive fundraiser in 2017. More than 100 runners from around the world converged on Boston to run the marathon. Switzer, then 70, finished the 26-mile race along with them.
"Women often underestimate themselves," Zuschmann said. "It's so important to inspire them and show them what they are capable of. Kathrine helps them feel the power that they have."
Switzer: Heed A Father's Wisdom
Switzer wasn't a born runner. As a self-described "little skinny 12-year-old," she wanted to be a cheerleader.
"You don't want to cheer for other people," her father told her. "You want other people to cheer for you."
He encouraged her to try running. But it took awhile for her to enjoy it. "I whined at first," she said. But he advised her to take it one lap at a time with the goal of running one mile.
"So I did run one mile a day," she said. "I began to like that. I had a victory under my belt every day. It made me feel empowered."
Even better, her father told her not to focus on speed. Instead, he emphasized the importance of finishing each run rather than quitting before reaching her goal.
Be Open And Adopt The Right Attitude
As a Syracuse University student in the 1960s, Switzer learned a key lesson of leadership: Don't prejudge others. Give them a chance to shine.
She sought to run with the cross country team — the only female among the group. "I was nervous," she recalled. "I came in with this deer-in-the-headlights look. But the guys on the team were wonderful to me."
She learned the value of being open to people. Rather than gird for resistance, she sought to build bridges. "Don't come in with a chip on your shoulder," she said. "You meet them halfway."
At Syracuse, she met Arnie Briggs, a mail carrier and avid runner who volunteered to help the team. He became her coach.
"When I was tired after a day of classes and it was time to train and practice, Arnie was always out there, ready to run," she said. "He'd say, 'This isn't a job. It's a privilege.' "
Promote Social Change With A Strong Case
After the 1967 Boston Marathon, Switzer had a choice. She could sue the Amateur Athletic Union that set standards for marathons and other sports. Or she could mount a case and try to persuade the organization to let women participate.
"I decided to do my homework and campaign to get women officially recognized in running," Switzer said. "Instead of suing, I banded with other women to assemble data, medical evidence and proof of performance. And we enlisted men as supporters."
It took five years of diligent research and persistence. But Switzer's strategy worked.
"It's better to work in a cooperative way," she said. "If you fight back and make someone feel small, then you make enemies."
Through her advocacy, Switzer sharpened her listening skills. Rather than impose her will or interrupt to make her case, she dignifies others' concerns and opinions.
Moreover, she has learned to listen to everyone — not just bigwigs. She cites her friend and fellow activist Gloria Steinem's fondness for talking to taxi drivers and gaining wisdom from them.
"Don't think you know it all," Switzer said. "Instead, show you care. Always listen with a kind heart."
Zuschmann, who met Switzer in 2005, admires her friend's communication skills.
"She meets every single person at the same level and learns more about them," Zuschmann said. "She listens well. But she also has the ability to start a fire in people. She sees an opportunity in every challenge. If you think, 'Oh my God, this is so horrible,' she sees an opportunity in it."
Skip Grudges Like Switzer
Some people may view Semple's behavior in the 1967 Boston Marathon as unforgivable bullying. But Switzer saw an opportunity to win over an adversary — and she did.
After 1972, their friendship took shape. They stayed in touch over the years and she even interviewed him about running in a 1979 television show.
As he neared death from cancer in 1988, Switzer visited him in the hospital. On what turned out to be her last visit, they held hands and reminisced.
"I made you famous, lass," he said in his Scottish brogue. "I made you famous too," she replied. They laughed together. Then she left his hospital room and cried.
Semple died at age 84 soon after her visit.
Kathrine Switzer's Keys:
- Hailed as an iconic leader for her determination to be the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon after fending off a physical attack during the race.
- Overcame: Adversaries who tried to prevent women from officially running in marathons.
- Lesson: "It's better to work in a cooperative way. If you fight back and make someone feel small, then you make enemies."
