1st Woman to Finish Boston Marathon Named Grand Marshal

The Boston Athletic Association announced that Roberta "Bobbi" Gibb was selected to mark the 50th anniversary of her pioneering run

The first woman to complete the Boston Marathon has been named the Grand Marshal of this year's race.

The Boston Athletic Association announced that Roberta "Bobbi" Gibb was selected to mark the 50th anniversary of her pioneering run.

Gibb, a Massachusetts native who was living in California at the time, was 23 years old in 1966 when she hid in the bushes near the starting line and jumped into the all-male pack of runners. Women were not accepted as official entrants at the time.

Gibb was also the top woman finisher in 1967 and '68. It wasn't until 1972 that the marathon officially accepted female entrants.

The 120th Boston Marathon is scheduled for April 18.

As Grand Marshal, Gibb will ride in a pace car ahead of the runners.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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