In which Olympic Games was the women’s marathon first held?

Los Angeles, 1984.

The women’s marathon was first introduced in the Olympic Games in 1984, in Los Angeles. This event marked a significant milestone not just in the history of the Olympics, but also in the broader context of women’s sports. Prior to this, the range of athletic events available to women in the Olympics was limited, reflecting broader societal attitudes towards women’s participation in strenuous physical activities.

The journey to include the women’s marathon in the Olympics was fraught with challenges and controversies. For many years, it was believed that women were physically incapable of handling long-distance running. The longest track event for women in the Olympics before 1984 was the 1500 meters, introduced in 1972. The myth that women’s health could be adversely affected by endurance running persisted for a long time, despite growing evidence to the contrary from numerous women’s marathon events held outside the Olympics.

The decision to finally include the women’s marathon in the Olympic program was a result of changing attitudes towards women’s athletics and the tireless efforts of female athletes and advocates. One key figure in this movement was Kathrine Switzer, who famously ran the Boston Marathon in 1967 despite rules barring women. Her participation and subsequent advocacy were instrumental in pushing for women’s long-distance events in competitive running.

The inaugural Olympic women’s marathon in 1984 was not only a historic event but also a dramatic and inspiring race. American Joan Benoit Samuelson won the gold medal, becoming the first-ever women’s Olympic marathon champion. Her victory was symbolic of the triumph over the many years of struggle for recognition and equality for women in sports. The race itself was significant, featuring a 26.2-mile course that began in Santa Monica and ended in the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, echoing the historic significance of the marathon.

This event had a profound impact on women’s athletics. It was a major step forward in breaking down gender barriers in sports and served as an inspiration for countless women around the world. It demonstrated that women could compete in endurance events at the highest levels and paved the way for the inclusion of more women’s events in the Olympic Games in subsequent years.