Say the name Kathrine Switzer and many people aren’t sure who she is. Say, “the woman who
was accosted during the 1967 Boston Marathon because she was running in an event for men
only,” and it’s an image people recognize and remember. Kathrine had no idea what a historic run Boston would be; it became the spark for her life path. She went on to work at Avon and develop Avon Global Women’s Running, then advocated to have the women’s marathon included in the Olympics. She has also written books, commentated for major races, spoken to groups all over the world, and was the honorary starter for the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics in 2024. Her number in the 1967 Boston Marathon, 261, became an inspiration for women and then the namesake of 261 Fearless, a non-profit Kathrine co-founded in 2015. She continues to open doors for women, encouraging them through running and helping them feel empowered, no matter their circumstances.

Marge Hickman can’t sit still. If she’s not running, she’s hiking, driving around the country in her RV, or engaging in another form of movement. Since she was a kid, the ultra running phenom has always felt an insatiable drive to prove herself. And that drive has taken her places few in the running community have dared to go. In 1989, Hickman completed the grand slam of ultra running, meaning she finished four of the oldest 100-mile races in a span of 10 weeks. She is one of only 59 women who have accomplished the feat since it was established in 1986. She also completed the Leadville Trail 100 a total of 14 times (within the time limit), the most by any woman at the event. Now, at almost 75 years old, Hickman still competes regularly as an enduring pioneer in the sport.

This month, we’re bringing you something a little bit different in this feed: an episode of Women’s Running Stories, a podcast hosted by Cherie Louise Turner. This episode features Jen Kanyugi, who last year ran her 20th consecutive Boston Marathon. And yes, after this was recorded, she did indeed finish the race! Jen's journey to get to this point is about this one event, and so much more. In this time, Jen went from not running more than 20 minutes on the treadmill to being a steady presence at this, one of the most recognized and celebrated running events in the world. She’s also learned the power of support, finding groups to train with and create community with, like Girls on the Run and Black Girls Run.