Kathrine Switzer celebrates her 71st birthday

Switzer celebrates her 71st birthday today in Wellington, New Zealand, where she winters with her husband, runner and author Roger Robinson. She was a pioneer female marathoner in the 1960s, a sub-elite racer (with a personal best of 2:51) in the mid-1970s, and a tireless worldwide promoter of women’s running through the Avon global running circuit. 9 months ago, she became the first woman to complete marathons 50 years apart. In 1967, she famously finished the Boston Marathon in 4:20.

posted Saturday January 6th