261 Fearless Inc. Launches Virtual Global Running Series

Press release from 261 Fearless: With the 261 Fearless shifting gears this fall as a result of COVID-19, the non-profit is launching a four-event virtual Global Running Series “Move the World,” to support its women’s running clubs and its 261 Fearless Charity Team runners in four major U.S. marathons, starting with the Boston Marathon.

Among the runners set to participate in “Move the World” is Barbara DiGirolamo of Peabody.
“I’ve been following 261 for a few years, so when my local club started in June 2019 I jumped on board,” said Girolamo, who last fall became a coach for 261 Fearless. She has a connection to the Boston Marathon, whose runners she’s supporting: Since 2013, DiGirolamo has been a part of a team that puts medals around the necks of runners after they cross the finish line on Boylston Street.

The “Move the World” series will coincide with the rescheduled, virtual Boston Marathon (September 14), Bank of America Chicago Marathon (October 11), Marine Corps Marathon (October 25) and TCS New York City Marathon (November 1), all of which feature teams of runners raising funds for 261 Fearless Inc., the global non-profit founded by Kathrine Switzer. The range in which to participate in the Boston “Move the World” event is September 7-14, during which participants can be part of the action by running or walking any distance they choose.

The goal of “Move the World” is to unite runners and walkers around the world and provide support to Charity Runners and Clubs. Entrants will have exclusive access to podcasts with Switzer and the 261 Fearless Team, and those who complete each event will receive a medal, each with a different ribbon. Registration, at $26.10 for each race, is available at 261fearless.org/move-the-world. For those entering all four races, the fourth event is free. All funds will be used to continue the work and mission of 261 Fearless.

“Wherever you are in the U.S. or the world, we invite you to come be active with us,” said Switzer, who herself will be doing the series. “It doesn’t matter how far, it doesn’t matter how fast. It only matters that we are able to keep our global community of women runners fit and fearless during these challenging times and beyond.”

Established in 2015, 261 Fearless Inc. was founded by Edith Zuschmann and Kathrine Switzer, who in 1967 wore bib number 261 in the Boston Marathon. Switzer needed to overcome her fear when the race director attacked her for being a female in a ‘mens-only’ race. She decided to keep running and finished the race. Through her fearlessness she became the first woman to officially register and run this historical race.

The global non-profit 261 Fearless Inc. uses running as a vehicle to empower and unite women through education programs, the creation of local running clubs and social events. Through these opportunities, 261 Fearless Inc. creates a global, social running network for women of all abilities and backgrounds to support each other, encouraging healthy living and a positive sense of self- esteem and fearlessness. Already there are more than 50 clubs on five continents.

This press release was produced by 261 Fearless. The views expressed here are the author's own.