Syracuse to Honor Trailblazer Kathrine Switzer on Feb. 8
1/12/2026 12:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
Syracuse University Athletics will honor pioneering marathoner and Syracuse graduate Kathrine Switzer '68, G'72 on at halftime of the home women's basketball game on Saturday, Feb. 8, vs. Louisville. As part of SU's annual National Girls & Women in Sports Day, the Orange will celebrate her historic legacy as a barrier-breaking athlete who changed the landscape of women's sports forever. Switzer's 261 bib will be hung permanently in the rafters of the JMA Wireless Dome at halftime.
"Kathrine Switzer is a trailblazer whose courage and determination changed the landscape of women's athletics forever," said Director of Athletics John Wildhack. "As a proud Syracuse alumna, she embodies the all the values we celebrate in sports: breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and creating opportunities for all. We're honored to celebrate her legacy and the lasting impact she's had on our university and the broader sports community. It will be a special moment for Orange Nation."
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In 1967, Switzer became the first woman to officially compete in the Boston Marathon, courageously, despite attempts by race officials to physically remove her from the course. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity opened doors for countless female athletes and became a defining moment in the women's rights movement.
Though women's cross country and track programs did not exist at Syracuse during her time as a student, Switzer's passion for running could not be deterred. She trained alongside the men's team while pursuing her education at SU, demonstrating the same pioneering spirit that would later define her historic Boston Marathon run for years to come.
Switzer's impact continues to resonate today. She has authored books, advocated for women's equality in sports, and inspired generations of female athletes to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles. Her bib number, 261, has become a symbol of empowerment for women runners worldwide.
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Tickets for the Feb. 8 game against Louisville are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting cuse.com/basketballtickets.
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For more information on Kathrine Switzer and her legacy, visit kathrineswitzer.com.
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"Kathrine Switzer is a trailblazer whose courage and determination changed the landscape of women's athletics forever," said Director of Athletics John Wildhack. "As a proud Syracuse alumna, she embodies the all the values we celebrate in sports: breaking barriers, pursuing excellence, and creating opportunities for all. We're honored to celebrate her legacy and the lasting impact she's had on our university and the broader sports community. It will be a special moment for Orange Nation."
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In 1967, Switzer became the first woman to officially compete in the Boston Marathon, courageously, despite attempts by race officials to physically remove her from the course. Her determination and resilience in the face of adversity opened doors for countless female athletes and became a defining moment in the women's rights movement.
Though women's cross country and track programs did not exist at Syracuse during her time as a student, Switzer's passion for running could not be deterred. She trained alongside the men's team while pursuing her education at SU, demonstrating the same pioneering spirit that would later define her historic Boston Marathon run for years to come.
Switzer's impact continues to resonate today. She has authored books, advocated for women's equality in sports, and inspired generations of female athletes to pursue their dreams regardless of obstacles. Her bib number, 261, has become a symbol of empowerment for women runners worldwide.
Â
Tickets for the Feb. 8 game against Louisville are on sale now and can be purchased by visiting cuse.com/basketballtickets.
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For more information on Kathrine Switzer and her legacy, visit kathrineswitzer.com.
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