The Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) at Syracuse University Libraries has announced that the Katherine Switzer Papers have been processed and are now open to the public.
In 1967, Switzer, a two-time alumna of Syracuse University, became the first woman to officially register for and run in the Boston Marathon. She signed up for the event under the name “K.V. Switzer,” and began the marathon wearing a hooded sweatshirt. During the race, a male official attacked her and attempted to remove her from the competition. She ultimately evaded the attack and persevered to the finish line. Seven years later, she won the New York City Marathon.
Switzer is also known for developing the Avon International Running Circuit, a global women’s running program that was instrumental in securing the inclusion of the women’s marathon in the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Outside of her personal athletics career, Switzer spent many years as a journalist and earned an Emmy Award for her sports broadcasting work.
The Switzer Papers housed at Syracuse’s SCRC have grown substantially through a series of donations beginning in 2005. The 103-linear-foot collection includes a wide range of materials from Switzer’s life, including photographs, news clippings, speeches, correspondence, scrapbooks, memorabilia, and audio and video recordings.
“Women’s running has created one of the greatest social revolutions of the last century. Millions of women now run for the empowerment it brings them, changing forever their sense of limitation and power. Being a major part of making that happen has been relentless work, but also the greatest honor and privilege,” said Switzer. “I am deeply grateful to SCRC for making the documentation of this historic achievement available for broad research and engagement.”