Boston Marathon's Honorary Women’s Team

In celebration of the eight trailblazing women who started and finished the 1972 race five decades ago, the B.A.A. has brought together a special Honorary Women’s Team this year featuring women who’ve made a powerful impact in their respective areas. From athletics to human rights, these women have overcome obstacles and empowered others while striving for excellence.

MARY NGUGI

Mary Ngugi is a professional athlete from Kenya who finished third at the 125th Boston Marathon in 2:25:20. Beyond being a world-class athlete, Mary has been a vocal leader in spreading awareness against domestic violence. Following the death of professional athlete Agnes Tirop last year, Mary helped found the Women's Athletic Alliance and led countless discussions —including with political leaders— to continue the fight against domestic abuse and inequalities. Mary is a two-time World Half Marathon championships medalist, and previously has won the B.A.A. 10K, B.A.A. Half Marathon, and B.A.A. Distance Medley in Boston.

MELISSA STOCKWELL

One month after being deployed to Iraq as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army's transportation corps, Melissa Stockwell became the first female American soldier to lose a limb in active combat after her vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb. Melissa was later honored with a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star for her service. Four years later, she became the first Iraq War veteran to qualify for the Paralympic Games, competing in swimming at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. Melissa competed in Paratriathlon at both the Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo Paralympics as well and is a Paralympic bronze medalist. She'll take to the Boston Marathon's Para Athletics Divisions (T63) for the first time, looking to add another title to her impressive resume.