By the Numbers: The Female Running Boom
Written on June 5, 2012 at 12:01 pm , by Karla Walsh
Three competitors at the MORE/FITNESS Half-Marathon, one of the largest female-only races in the U.S. (Photo by John Herr)
Two important fitness landmarks are celebrated this month: National Running Day (tomorrow) and the 40th anniversary of the passing of the Title IX legislation (June 23)! In honor of these healthy holidays, here are a few fun facts about running and women from Running USA‘s State of the Run report.
- 7 million+: Women finished a road race in the U.S. during 2011, a record high
- 800 meters: The longest distance women were allowed to compete in during the 1960 Rome Olympics
- 1972: The 1,500 meter race, the new longest distance, is added to the women’s track lineup at the Munich Olympics (the marathon is added at the 1984 Los Angeles Games)
- Less than 20: Percentage of finishers during running events in the 1970s that were female
- More than 53: Percentage of finishers during running events in 2011 that were female
- 200+: Women-only running events in the U.S. last year (The top five in terms of participation: Nike Women’s Half, Disney Princess Half, St. Luke’s Women’s Fitness Celebration 5K, MORE/FITNESS Half, Tufts Health Plank 10K)
Check back tomorrow for our exclusive interview with Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon!
Categories: Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: national running day, running, running races, Title IX, women's half, women's sports
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