The Boston Marathon is an event holding millions of stories, some of tragedy and some of triumph. However, the race serves as a setting to women consistently breaking down barriers and challenging social conventions. This year over 12,600 women competed in the Boston Marathon, a reality that would not be possible without one woman: Bobbi Gibb.
In 1966, a young 23-year-old athlete traveled 3,000 miles to compete in a race that was deemed impossible for women. She had been training for two years to run the 26.2 miles, but when she applied to run in the race, her application was denied. The young woman was told by the race director, Will Cloney, that females were physiologically incapable of completing such a distance, and the only approved races were 1 and a half miles. Determined to prove her oppressors wrong, Bobbi Gibb began to run in the Boston Marathon.
(Bobbi Gibbs running in the Boston Marathon.)
On April 19, 1996, disguised in her brother's Bermuda shorts and a hooded sweatshirt, Gibbs settled into the middle of the pack. Hoping to go unnoticed, the men realized that a female athlete was running among them. As Gibbs advanced, local media stations picked up the story and began to track her progress. She finished in 3 hours, 21 minutes, and 40 seconds; ahead of two-thirds of the male runners. The Governor of Massachusetts, John Volpe, greeted her at the finish line to shake her hand.
(Gibbs after the marathon.)
This year, 73-year-old Gibbs served as the grand marshal for the marathon she trail-blazed for so many women. Atseded Baysa, a 29-year-old runner from Ethiopia, was the first woman to cross the finish line, completing the race in 2 hours, 29 minutes, and 19 seconds. Having heard about Bobbi's story, Baysa immediately wanted to honor the pioneer by presenting her with the championship trophy. "I heard about her story. I wanted to know about her experience at Boston and I wanted to meet her. I want to give her this trophy," Baysa said via translator. Gibbs accepted the honor, but on one condition. She would travel to Ethiopia in a year to return the trophy.
50 years later to the day, Gibbs finally got her trophy. Bobbi Gibbs continues to encourage and inspire young women everywhere, advocating for women empowerment and equality.
