🎙️ Witness of the Times
Season 2, Episode 3 – The Girl Who Ran: Bobby Gibb and the Marathon That Changed Everything
Hi folks, Marc here. In the inspiring conclusion to our three-part series on trailblazing women who defied societal restrictions, Dr. Bruce Baker will explore the groundbreaking story of Roberta “Bobby” Gibb—the first woman to ever run and finish the Boston Marathon, despite being officially denied the opportunity. Following our episodes on Dr. Mary Edwards Walker and the Soviet Union’s Night Witches, this final installment highlights how Bobby Gibb's courageous act reshaped public perception about gender and athletic ability. Raised in a Boston suburb and inspired by the annual tradition of the marathon, Bobby Gibb began training in secret, wearing nurse’s shoes and running up to 40 miles a day, determined to prove that women werecapable of endurance sports—even as the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) explicitly barred them from such competition. Denied entry into the 1966 race because women were deemed "physiologically incapable" of running a marathon. Gibb would return to run again in 1967 and 1968, each time finishing as the top woman. But it wasn’t until 1972 that the Boston Marathon officially allowed women to compete—and until 1996 that Bobby was formally recognized as a three-time winner. In 2021, a bronze statue titled “The Girl Who Ran”—designed by Gibb herself—was unveiled in Hopkinton, commemorating her historic start. Welcome to Witness of the Times!
Connect with Us: If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review Witness of The Times on Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen. Every positive review helps new listeners find the show. We also want to hear from you! Send us your questions about the stories we profile. You can email us at witnessofthetimes@gmail.com. You can find us on Facebook at Witness of the Times.
Credits:
- Executive Producers:Â Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
- Music:Â Jorgen Hallberg
- Hosts:Â Marc Veazey and Dr. Bruce Baker
Thank you for joining us on this incredible journey through history with Witness of The Times. We can't wait to share more enthralling stories with you in upcoming episodes.
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