“When she attempted to enter the Boston Marathon in 1966, she faced rejection with officials citing, ‘Women are not physiologically able to run a marathon, and we can’t take the liability.’ But exactly 50 years ago today, on the marathon day, Bobbi Gibb took matters into her own hands.

Hiding in the bushes, Gibb waited for about half of the runners to pass by before joining the race. She wore her brother’s Bermuda shorts, boy’s sneakers, a bathing suit, and a sweatshirt. Despite feeling overheated, she kept her hoodie on, fearing she might be stopped if spotted.

Male runners soon realized Gibb was not one of them. Instead of hindering her, they pledged to protect her from interference. Encouraged, Gibb shed her sweatshirt.

The revelation of a woman in the marathon sparked joy, not anger, among spectators. Men cheered while women cried tears of happiness. Wellesley College students awaited her with excitement, and even the Massachusetts governor greeted her at the finish line. Gibb, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon, finished in the top third, making history.”