Women’s Long-Distance Running Legend Kathrine Switzer Recognised by Admiral Swansea Bay 10k Organisers for Her Running and Social Activism for Women’s Sports
Switzer’s Messages to “Have Courage” and “Be Fearless” Resonate with Runners
– Long-distance running legend and women’s sports activist Kathrine Switzer will be recognised for her pioneering efforts in running and her career-long contributions to sport through her work as an advocate for women’s sports and healthy living when the Admiral Swansea Bay 10K race is staged on September 16.
Admiral Swansea Bay 10K will honour Switzer when 5,000 runners participate in what has become the best race in Wales. With the beautiful backdrop of Swansea Bay, runners of all levels and experience will compete at the 10K distance while junior races will be staged at Junior 1K, 3K and 5K to help introduce young runners, both male and female, to the sport. Swansea Bay also stages a 10K wheelchair race.
Switzer’s famous quote, “All you need is the courage to believe in yourself and put one foot in front of the other,” will be emblazoned on every race t-shirt, provided to the runners who register for the road race.
“I was eager for members of my team to run in Swansea, to get an idea of the 10k and of the community in Wales,” said Switzer. “I’d love to run the Admiral Swansea Bay 10k myself in future. The event continually grows in stature and I hope that thousands will line the route to cheer on the participants.
“This year I’ve been inspired by the activity around the 100th anniversary of the women’s right to vote in the UK and I do all I can to promote the importance of women’s participation, health and empowerment.”
“Kathrine Switzer and 261 Fearless have inspired millions around the world and I’m thrilled that they have agreed to allow us to use Kathrine’s quote on our event T-shirts,” said Cllr Robert Francis-Davies, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Innovation, Regeneration and Tourism. “It is certain to inspire the 5,000 runners expected to take part.”
The main race starts outside the St Helen’s Ground at 1pm and heads west along Mumbles Road to Oystermouth Car Park where the runners turn and head back along the promenade towards the starting point.
All places for each race other than the mascots are now taken, so people won’t be able to sign-up to take part on the day. Spectators are welcome from 10am, with junior races taking place from 10.45am-noon.
Road closures will be in place and diversion routes will be available wherever possible. For more information visit enjoyswanseabay.com/residents.
About Kathrine Switzer:
An Iconic athlete, author, and advocate for sports and social causes, Switzer was the first woman to officially enter and then run the Boston Marathon. Switzer has been honoured for her achievements, such as running both the Boston Marathon and the New York Marathon in the same year as her 70th birthday and for running the Boston Marathon on the 50th anniversary of her historic run in 1967. Switzer was inducted to the USA National Women’s Hall of Fame where she was recognized for creating positive social change throughout her storied career. The ramifications of this work is both joyful and profound, changing forever the face of sports, health, and opportunities for women around the world and fearlessly empowering millions of female runners beyond the finish line. For more information please visit her online at www.kathrineswitzer.com or at her non-profit at www.261fearless.org
This post is also available in: Welsh
