Kathrine Switzer First Marathon Time: What She Ran in 1967

By Lauren Holland

Updated November 2026

Kathrine Switzer’s first marathon time was 4 hours, 20 minutes and 17 seconds, set at the 1967 Boston Marathon. She finished as an officially unrecognized entrant, and that race became one of the most important moments in women’s distance running. This guide explains what that time meant, how it compares to today’s first-marathon goals, and how you can use that context to set a sensible target for your own debut.

What Kathrine Switzer Actually Ran in 1967

Switzer registered for the 1967 Boston Marathon using her initials, K.V. Switzer, because women were not permitted to enter. She ran the course in 4:20:17. Race officials Jock Semple and others tried to pull her off the course early in the race, but she finished, and the photographs from that day have become iconic.

Shopping for one? See our guide: First Ever Marathon Time: 3 Best Guides and Pace Tools for First-Timers.

Her time is the number most runners remember, but the official record of women’s marathon participation in that era was not kept the way it is now. Women were not admitted as official entrants until 1972, so no official women’s results existed for her race. Most sources cite 4:20:17 as her time, and that figure is the one to use when you look up her debut.

Why the Time Matters Less Than the Context

A 4:20 marathon is a respectable finish for a first-timer today, but Switzer was running with no women’s training groups, almost no published women’s training advice, and no women-specific race structure. She trained largely on her own and without the kind of coaching access that modern runners take for granted. The time itself reflects her fitness, but the barriers she faced are the real story.

How Her Time Compares to Modern First-Marathon Goals

Today’s first-time marathon finishers vary enormously. Many first-timers aim to finish comfortably rather than race, and a common range for first marathons falls somewhere between about 3:45 and 5:00, depending on age, background and training time. Your own realistic target depends far more on your weekly mileage and consistency than on any historical benchmark.

If you are weighing a debut goal, see What Is the Best First Time Marathon Goal? Realistic Times and Picks for a broader look at how first-timers set targets, and Realistic First Marathon Time: 3 Best Guides for First-Timers for guidance on estimating a finish time from your current fitness.

Step-by-Step: Setting Your Own First Marathon Time

Step 1: Know Your Current Fitness

Start with the most recent race result you have, ideally a 10K or half marathon. Use a race-time predictor or a standard pace calculator to estimate a marathon time. Treat the result as a range, not a promise, because marathon fitness depends on endurance that shorter races do not fully test.

Step 2: Count Your Weekly Mileage

Mileage is the strongest predictor of how you will handle 26.2 miles. Many first-time finishers build to a peak of roughly 30 to 40 miles per week over a 16- to 20-week plan. If you are currently running 15 miles per week, a 4:20-type finish is a reasonable goal only if you can build steadily.

Step 3: Choose Your Race Pace Strategy

1. Pick an even-effort target, not a fixed split, for the first 20 miles.
2. Run the first 6 miles about 30 to 60 seconds per mile slower than your goal pace.
3. Hold steady effort through the middle miles and save any push for the final 6.
4. If the wheels come off, switch to run/walk intervals (for example, 4 minutes running, 1 minute walking) rather than stopping.

Step 4: Practice Your Long Runs at Goal Effort

Your longest training runs should include time at or near your target marathon pace. A common approach is to finish a few long runs with 2 to 4 miles at goal pace, so you learn how the effort feels when you are already tired.

Step 5: Plan Fueling and Hydration

Test your fueling during long runs, not on race day. Most runners need roughly 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate per hour during a marathon, though individual needs vary. Consult a sports dietitian or your doctor if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are unsure how much to take in.

Factors That Affect Your Finish Time

• Training consistency: Missing weeks hurts more than a single poor long run.
• Course profile: Hills, heat and wind can add several minutes or more.
• Shoe fit and comfort: Blisters and foot pain can end a race early.
• Race-day weather: Heat is one of the most common causes of slowdowns.
• Mental preparation: Knowing your plan for miles 18 to 22 helps you stay steady.

Common Mistakes When Using Historical Times as Goals

• Treating a famous time as a target without considering your own training history.
• Starting too fast because the adrenaline of race day feels easy in the first few miles.
• Skipping long runs in the final weeks because you feel fit.
• Trying new shoes, gels or clothing on race day.
• Ignoring early warning signs of injury, such as sharp pain or swelling, and pushing through them.

Recommended gear

Gear will not change your finish time dramatically, but the right items help you train consistently and race comfortably.

• Road running shoes with a stable, cushioned ride: Comfortable mileage shoes reduce the risk of overuse problems during a long build-up. View on Amazon
• Lightweight moisture-wicking running socks: Good socks help prevent blisters on long runs and race day. View on Amazon
• Energy gels or chews: Portable carbohydrate sources make it easier to hit your hourly fueling target. View on Amazon

For shoe-specific advice, see First Time Marathon Shoes: 7 Best Picks for Beginner Runners.

Tips for Your Own Debut

• Give yourself at least 16 weeks of structured training if you are starting from a moderate base.
• Use a plan with a clear taper, usually two to three weeks, to arrive at the start line rested.
• Run at least one practice race, such as a half marathon, to learn your pacing.
• Write down your race-day plan, including splits, fueling times and what you will do if you slow down.
• Give yourself permission to finish slowly. A completed first marathon is a real achievement.

FAQ

What was Kathrine Switzer’s first marathon time?

Her first marathon time was 4 hours, 20 minutes and 17 seconds at the 1967 Boston Marathon. She ran as K.V. Switzer, since women were not officially allowed to enter.

Was Kathrine Switzer an official finisher in 1967?

No. Women were not admitted as official entrants until 1972, so her finish was not recognized in the official results of that year, though it is widely documented.

Is 4:20 a good time for a first marathon?

For many first-time runners, a finish around 4:20 is a solid result that reflects consistent training. Whether it is good for you depends on your own fitness, training history and goals.

How long should I train for my first marathon?

Most first-time plans run 16 to 20 weeks. The right length depends on your current weekly mileage and how much recovery time you need.

What pace should a first-time marathoner aim for?

Pick a pace based on recent race results, then add 30 to 60 seconds per mile for the early miles. Many runners find an even-effort approach works better than a fixed split.

Should I walk during a marathon?

Walking breaks are a legitimate strategy, especially for first-timers. A run/walk approach can help you finish strong when fatigue sets in.

Where can I learn more about first-marathon planning?

Start with Realistic First Marathon Time: 3 Best Guides for First-Timers and Help Me Make Out Training for My First Marathon: 8 Best Guides Compared (2026) for structured planning resources.

If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, or any symptoms such as chest pain or dizziness during training, consult a doctor before starting a marathon plan.

Conclusion

Kathrine Switzer’s first marathon time of 4:20:17 at the 1967 Boston Marathon is a meaningful benchmark, but its real value lies in what she accomplished against the odds. Use her result as inspiration, then build your own goal from your current fitness, weekly mileage and race-day plan. A realistic target you can reach is far more useful than a famous number you cannot.

Related reading

• How to Prepare for Your First Half Marathon

About Lauren Holland

Lauren Holland is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our marathon & half-marathon guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.