Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially enter the Boston Marathon and a pioneer in women's sports, is the keynote speaker at Women's Health Day on Saturday, Oct. 8, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Salida SteamPlant. Participants are welcome to attend the entire day's events or only come for part of the day.
Switzer's entry in the 1967 Boston Marathon-then considered a men's only event-created an uproar and worldwide notoriety when a race official tried to forcibly remove her from the competition. The photo of this confrontation flashed around the globe and became one of Time-Life's "100 Photos that Changed the World."
Switzer completed the race but was radicalized by the incident and determined to create change for women. In 1977, she founded the Avon International Running Circuit, a series of running events in 27 countries for more than 1 million women. That effort and her tireless lobbying were instrumental in making the women's marathon an official event in the Olympic Games, beginning in 1984. Now an Emmy-winning TV commentator, author and motivational speaker, she continues to share her story and inspire audiences to make fitness a part of their lives and take charge of their health and well-being.
In addition to the keynote presentation, attendees may choose between eight sessions throughout the day. Topics include "Sex after 40," "Facing the Challenges of Elder Care," "Oh, My Aching Back!" and "Coming to Terms with Loss and Grief."
Other seminars explore integrative medicine, and common foot and ankle conditions and treatments.
The day ends with a choice of interactive sessions: "Brain and Body Energy Yoga" and "Tai Chi for Better Balance."
Information and online registration for this community wellness event sponsored by Heart of the Rockies Regional Medical Center are available at www.hrrmc.com. Space is limited and pre-registration is required by Oct. 3. The $25 cost includes a gourmet lunch catered by Michelle Gapp.
Limited funding is available through the HRRMC Foundation for scholarships to attend. For more information, contact Marji Ackermann at (719) 530-2217.
Keynote speaker Kathrine Switzer will be signing copies of her book Marathon Woman at HRRMC's Women's Health Day.
