6.48 miles (total: 1414.09 miles)
I was reading today... the world of women’s racing we know today did not exist 50 years ago, and women’s distance running went unrecognized throughout most of the 20th century.
Though the modern Olympics were founded in 1896, it wasn’t until 1928 that women were allowed to compete in the athletic events. And only then, they could run up to 800-meters.
That's 8/10 of 1km, not even a mile... WHAT?!?!
Then International Olympic Committee decided women were too weak to run such long distances and banned them from competing in any race past 200 meters. This ban lasted for the next 32 years. SERIOUSLY!
Women were barred from competing in long-distance races, citing health concerns. Though there were women banditing road races, including the marathons, female runners could not officially register and compete.
In the late 1960s, this battle played out on a national stage. After her race entry to the 1966 Boston Marathon was denied because of her sex, 23-year-old Bobbi Gibb hid in the bushes by the starting line and ran the race illegally, finishing ahead of 2/3 of the male competitors.
Kathrine Switzer followed in her footsteps a year later, registering under a gender-neutral name and becoming the first official female competitor. A race official tried to grab Switzer near the start to rip off her number. Her boyfriend intervened, and Switzer was able to finish the race successfully.
Finally, in 1980, the American College of Sports Medicine officially found zero scientific evidence that women could not compete in long-distance running.
I can assure, after 1400+ miles - women CAN DO IT.
Perhaps when it comes to endurance, they can blow others away.
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