Switzer served as grand marshal of the Boston Marathon on the 50th anniversary of her historic 1967 run.
On April 17, 2017, Kathrine Switzer was honored as the grand marshal of the Boston Marathon, a ceremonial leadership role recognizing her status as one of the most important figures in the race's history. This honor coincided with both her own return to run the race at age 70 and the broader 50th-anniversary commemorations of her 1967 run.
As grand marshal, Switzer led the field of runners at the start of the race, a symbolic gesture reflecting the enormous distance the event — and the sport of marathon running — had traveled since the days when women were formally barred from competing. Her dual role that day, both as ceremonial leader and active competitor, was widely seen as emblematic of her unique standing in marathon history.
The grand marshal honor added to a growing list of recognitions Switzer received throughout 2017, a banner year that also included the retirement of her bib number 261 and extensive global media coverage of her legacy. Her leadership that day helped to reframe the Boston Marathon's public narrative, emphasizing inclusivity, perseverance, and the ongoing evolution of women's participation in elite sport.
The occasion was widely covered by outlets including The New York Times, People, and the Boston Athletic Association itself, cementing her role as a living icon of the race's transformation.