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While Roger was racing, Kathrine was on the course cheering on the participants and even running with many of them on occasion. ©Frank Stebner
16th Annual Yakima River Canyon Marathon on April 2, 2016 with Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson
After six months residing at their New Zealand winter home, Kathrine Switzer and Roger Robinson stopped over in Yakima, Washington to celebrate the 16th Annual Yakima River Canyon Marathon on April 2, 2016.
Both Kathrine and Roger were guest speakers at the annual pasta dinner the night before the marathon. Not only were they speakers but at age 76 Roger participated in the half marathon the next day on the very scenic Yakima River Canyon course. Roger did win his age group (men 75-79) finishing the half marathon in a time of 2:04:43.
While Roger was racing, Kathrine was on the course cheering on the participants and even running with many of them on occasion.
The Yakima River Canyon Marathon has the distinction of having the oldest race directors in the world. Lenore and Bob Dolphin are both in their mid 80's. Bob Dolphin has also run more than 500 marathons himself and retired from running marathons in 2015.
It is great to see that both Kathrine and Roger are still actively participating in road races.
Both will be at the Boston Marathon in 2017 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Kathrine's famous 1967 Boston marathon race from which she was disqualified. At the time women were not allowed to compete in the Boston Marathon.
2016/17 will be an exciting year for Kathrine & Roger as they prepare to celebrate Boston 2017. It will also be the 46th year that women are officially allowed to compete in the Boston Marathon.
Frank Stebner
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