Women Can Marathon

In 2027, we are celebrating the 60TH ANNIVERSARY of Kathrine Switzer running the Boston Marathon. On that day in 1967, Jock Semple attempted to forcefully remove Kathrine Switzer from the race simply for being a woman. Katherine went on to finish the race and then advocate for women's participation in sport (including the inclusion of the women's marathon in the Olympic Games). We are commemorating her efforts by offering three women's only events in East Devon: Marathon, 1/2 Marathon and 10km. All events are predominantly off road.

Marathon: Starting @ 9:00am* from Sideshore, Exmouth. The route follows parts of the Exe Estuary, the East Devon Way, the Otter Valley and the Southwest Coast Path, finishing where it started. Cut-off time: 9 hours (with option of an early start if you feel more time is required)

1/2 Marathon: starting from Tipton St John (the host of the 50th anniversary event) @ 11:00am and finishing in Exmouth, following the second half of the Marathon route. Cut-off time: 7 hours

10km: starting in Budleigh Salterton @ 11:30 and following the Southwest Coast Path to the finish in Exmouth.

Pre-race Celebraton: The event will also include the option for a pre-race dinner on the Saturday evening and family fun events on the Sunday during the event. Further details of these events will be announced soon on the the Women Can Marathon website. Note: anyone who has entered prior to the announcement of an activity will get early notification of the signup options.

Running/Trekking Poles: You are welcome to use poles during the event. Should you choose to do so, please be considerate of other runners and users of the foot path as the route includes some narrow sections.

Headphones: Bone conducting headphones are allowed; in ear or over ear headphone are not. If you do choose to wear headphones, don’t let them distract you from the beautiful scenery and the other loverly runners.