Written by Gail McCarthy, photo by Mike Springer, Salem News
First woman to run Boston Marathon named grand marshal
ROCKPORT — In the spring of 1966, 23-year-old Roberta “Bobbi” Gibb made a ripple as the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. In fact, it was the first race she ever ran. There were no trainers or even women’s running shoes at the time.
Her ultimate success at completing the 26.2-mile race sparked headlines around the globe and brought with it a tidal wave of change for women as runners. This year she celebrates the 50th anniversary of that race.