Marathon Woman

Running the Race to Revolutionize Women's Sports

By: Kathrine Switzer

Narrated by: Kathrine Switzer

A new edition of a sports icon's memoir, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Kathrine Switzer's historic running of the Boston Marathon as the first woman to run.

In 1967, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to officially run what was then the all-male Boston Marathon, infuriating one of the event's directors who attempted to violently eject her. In one of the most iconic sports moments, Switzer escaped and finished the race. She made history-and is poised to do it again on the fiftieth anniversary of that initial race, when she will run the 2017 Boston Marathon at age 70. Now a spokesperson for Reebok, Switzer is also the founder of 261 Fearless, a foundation dedicated to creating opportunities for women on all fronts, as this groundbreaking sports hero has done throughout her life.

"Kathrine Switzer is the Susan B. Anthony of women's marathoning."-Joan Benoit Samuelson, first Olympic gold medalist in the women's marathon

Critic reviews

"A thoughtfully written memoir...[Switzer is] still running strong; she's headed back to Boston this year to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her 1967 pioneering run, making this a perfect time to brush up on running history."
—Mother Runner

Amazing - truly amazing!

As a woman runner for 8 years I can’t believe it’s taken me this long to discover this book. I am in completely in awe of this woman and am so glad to know this amazing piece of our herstory! This book is amazing - listen to it now!

Loved it!

Highly recommend this book to all runners! Kathrine's story is so inspirational! Loved it so much!

Must read for any sports fan

If you think you know the story of Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run a marathon, chances are you only know the beginning. This book, and the performance by Katherine herself was sensational. A must listen to get her full energy! I’m a high performance athlete and business professional who has read/ listened to so many sports bios and started to feel there was a shocking lack of women telling their stories. Katherine not only tells the story of her running career leading the way for more female runners but also details how she dedicated her professional career to advance gender equity across sport ( in general) and sports sponsorships. An incredible story told by an incredible person... this won’t be the only time I listen to this one. Thank you K. Switzer!!

Unbelievable how recent womens' running started!

Takes me back to why I like running. Great running struggles and stories and I could relate.

Also it is amazing how unaware I was of the "controversy" over girls and women running--I didn't think twice about it! All thanks to the women pioneers who forged this sport. Cross-country as a freshman in high school in 1990 put me on a fantastic trajectory in life that is still unfolding (and I am still running 25 miles a week!)

As a shout out to the guys: I always felt I had encouragement from them for being able to run longer distances. Men and guy friends always have offered a compliment, even yesterday from my retired neighbor when I finished (sweaty) in front of my home. Run like a girl everyone! Thank you from the bottom of my heart, Kathrine Switzer!

That she changed lives, and the world

Marathon Woman just became my new favorite book. Kathrine is a hero & I owe my ability to have run in Boston to her. Every woman who has a can-do attitude owes their belief to Kathrine Switzer.
One tiny heads-up. There are a few moments where a line is repeated. Not the end of the world but as someone who also works in production, I noticed. (And it’s a very easy fix). Otherwise- Kathrine: a billion thank yous to your contribution to women, sports, journalism and the world. ❤️