K.V. Switzer - 1967

Kathrine Switzer became the first woman to complete the Boston Marathon while sporting an official bib number. Despite an attempt to force her off the course, Switzer finished in 4:20:02. Accounts of her race spread worldwide, and like Gibb, Switzer became a pioneer in the women’s running movement.

Qualifying Standards - 1970

Boston’s known for both its history and qualifying standards. The qualifying standards were first established in 1970 as a way to help cap field sizes, which had ballooned to over a thousand entrants. It’s now a badge of honor to earn a BQ time.

Women’s Participation - 1972

Eight women finished the 76th Boston Marathon, the first to officially recognize women’s participation. Nina Kuscsik (F2) earned the win, and since then more than 200,000 women have become Boston finishers.

Wheelchair Division - 1975

Bob Hall became the first official participant to complete Boston in a wheelchair, finishing in 2:58:00. As promised by race director Will Cloney, Hall received a certificate for finishing in under three hours, leading Boston to become the first marathon to feature a wheelchair division.

Boston Billy - 1975

Boston’s own Bill Rodgers stunned the field with a world and course record time of 2:09:55, winning the first of what would eventually be four titles. What made Rodgers' time even more impressive was that he stopped five times—once to tie his shoe and four times for water.