Mile 5: Breaking the Mold: The Story of Bobbi Gibb

Women weren’t allowed to compete in the Boston Marathon until 1972; now they make up almost half the field. Bobbi Gibb was the first woman to finish the race, sneaking on to the course in 1966. We talk to Gibb about that historic occasion on its 50th anniversary.

[verathornhill]

I want to thank Bobbi, if it wasn't for her I would not have been able to run in high school and win marathons myself in the 80s. Being of the next generation, it never occurred to me that women were not allowed to run, so I want to say thank you Bobbi for paving the way for me and other women.

[raerae]

I love that she not only ran it for herself but for every female past, present and future. Respect and gratitude to that gutsy human.

[mattguitarwilson]

Such a great story. I just read about this on Facebook and came here and just said ‘1966 Boston marathon’ to see what popped up, this is the first thing. Awesome!

[fraterorpheus]

An amazing story of an amazing soul that changed the world for the betterment of all - thank you Bobbi

[odonata]

I love her soulful approach to sports and life! She's such an amazing inspiration. xoxoxo

[SayWhatYouNeedTSay]

That is female empowerment!! What an inspiration.

[OlympicShortsStories]

A woman of rare determination. We have also tried to tell her story in a slightly 'different' key in order to reach and capture the attention of as many people as possible who may not be looking for her because of other interests or who knows? But our intention was to bring your story to the surface because it is a great example and inspiration to so many.
Happy to have shared this common desire with you.
I hope I have given you a smile. And maybe a surprise for Bobby.

[deannamarie]

Women have come a long way since then, and we have fought every step of the way.

[Deathkill]

Read something about this on a Facebook post and it almost sounded like a fantasy story I had to fact check, very inspiring stuff.

[sokuromatsuda]

"she remembered who she was and the game changed" <3

[piotrrud]

She ran for every enslaved human on this planet.

[amazingcommenter]

Plot twist: In 2023 men want to compete in the women category as payback.