First woman to run boston marathon. In 1967 she became the first woman to run the boston marathon as an officially registered competitor. April 17 2017 11 22 am edt f ifty years after she became the first woman to officially run the boston marathon kathrine switzer plans on finishing the race again. In 1967 20 year old kathrine switzer made history when she defiantly became the first woman to officially run in the boston marathon even as race officials tried to physically stop her. As switzer runs the 121st boston. Roberta louise bobbi gibb born november 2 1942 in cambridge massachusetts is the first woman to have run the entire boston marathon 1966. She is recognized by the boston athletic association as the pre sanctioned era women s winner in 1966 1967 and 1968. Kathrine virginia switzer born january 5 1947 in amberg germany is an american marathon runner author and television commentator.