YES, WE CAN!
THE FIRST WOMEN CAN MARATHON WAS A TRULY STUNNING WAY TO INTRODUCE NEWCOMERS TO 26. 2 - MILE RACING
WORDS: DR JULIET MCGRATTAN
WOMEN CAN MARATHON
Tipton St John is a small village nestled in the Otter Valley in Devon, the most unlikely location for a new marathon. In fact, a year ago, when Jo Earlem had the idea of holding a women-only marathon in her village, the doubters told her that only a handful of women would turn up. How wrong they were! Four hundred women from all over the UK, and overseas, tested their sat navs through the maze of Devonshire country lanes to line up at the start.
The Women Can Marathon was all about celebration. Jo, a keen runner for many years, had wanted to mark the 50th anniversary of Kathrine Switzer’s historic run at the Boston Marathon; a pivotal moment for women’s running. How better to do this than organise a marathon for women to show that yes, they can run 26.2 miles! This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the local community taking ownership of the village playing fields, providing a place for everyone to come together to be active.