History of Women’s Running

Women in the Olympics The ancient Olympics were held in Olympia Greece from 776 BC to AD 393. Women had one sprint race where they ran with one exposed breast. Men participated in the nude and some historians hypothesize that women were not allowed more participation or the ability to be spectators due to this. Greek Women were allowed to participate in sporting events in Sparta. 

Women in Modern Olympics Athens, Greece, 1896- First modern Olympics. The inaugural Games of the modern Olympics were attended by as many as 280 athletes, all male, coming from 12 countries.  Amsterdam, Netherland 1928 – First women’s track and field events. Criticism of this led by the baron de Coubertin and the Vatican.  Women athletes, however, had formed their own track organizations and had held an Olympic-style women’s competition in 1922 and 1926.

Olympics Women’s 800-meter run - several women collapsed from exhaustion at the end of the race. Olympic officials prohibited all running races longer that 200m, concluding that women could not manage the distance. Rome Italy 1960 – 400 and 800m reinstated for women.

First Women’s Olympic Marathon - Los Angeles U.S.A. 1984 Won by Joan Benoit – U.S.A.

First Women’s Olympic Marathon Los Angeles, U.S., 1984 – Joan Beniot

Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb – First Boston Marathon Finisher 1966 in 3:21:40 Her time would qualify for Boston today.

Katherine Switzer – The 2nd Female Boston marathon finisher – 1967 in 4hr 20min. Boston Marathon official Jock Semple tried and failed to remove her from the course

Title 9 -1972 Federal law - Stating that if an institution receives federal financial; assistance there must be- equal opportunity for women it all programs.

Mary Decker – Held every American record from 800m to 10,000m Mary Decker – Held every American record from 800m to 10,000m. Ruled American track from age 12 to 30. “Decker Double - 1500m and 3000m Helsinki World Championship 1983.

Los Angeles Olympics 1984- Mary and Zola Bud of South Africa

We’ve come a long way Baby Dolfin shorts Jog bras Running shoes   Today woman make up majority of fields.