"In 1967, Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to register for and wear bib numbers in what was then the all-male Boston Marathon, infuriating one of the event's directors. He attacked her midrace, trying to violently eject her. In what would become one of the all-time iconic images in sports, Switzer escaped from the director, with the help of her fellow runners, and finished the race. Not only was this a watershed moment for the sport, it also became a significant event in women's history - a force for social change and empowerment for women worldwide. Switzer went on to create the Avon Running program, composed of events in twenty-seven countries, with more than a million women participants, and was instrumental in securing the women's marathon event in the Olympic Games, an event which changed world thinking on women's capabilities. " "Marathon Woman is Kathrine Switzer's personal story about how she overcame the odds - as well as public ridicule - to become one of the greatest marathon runners of her time, and an authority on women's sports and fitness. From the childhood events that inspired her to succeed as an athlete, through her triumph in the 1974 New York City Marathon, a best marathon time of 2:51 among the thirty-five marathons she has finished, and her work as one of the sport's greatest ambassadors - this liberally illustrated book details the struggles and achievements of one of the pioneering women in sports. "--Jacket.