First Woman Boston Marathon Runner steps into Plymouth, MA history and joins Run for Faith on Sunday, August 14

Back in 1966, Roberta Louise “Bobbi” Gibb challenged prevalent prejudices and misconceptions about women's athletic capabilities as the first woman to have run the entire Boston Marathon. This August 14th, she will bring that bold history to Plymouth as part of the sixth annual, 4.58 mile Run for Faith scheduled for Sunday, August 14, 8:30 a.m. at Plimoth Plantation.

Bill Rodgers, the running legend who was the face of the running revolution in the 1970s and 1980s, will also participate in the race.

In addition to greeting runners and helping marshal the race, Gibb, a Rockport, MA native who also maintains a home in San Diego, CA, will sign copies of her recent memoir entitled Wind in the Fire: A Personal Journey. A film based on Gibb’s ground breaking life is soon to be produced. Numerous news programs and documentaries have focused on her trailblazing.

Gibb is recognized by the Boston Athletic Association as the pre-sanctioned era women’s winner in 1966, 1967, and 1968. In 2016, Gibb was the grand marshal of that year's Boston Marathon year to celebrate the 50th anniversary since she broke the gender barrier. Female winner Atsede Baysa begifted Gibb her trophy; Gibb vowed that she would go to Baysa’s native Ethiopia in 2017 and return it to her.

When asked about her first marathon, Gibb commented, “I hid in the bushes near the start—as near the start as I could get without being seen and possibly arrested. I was dressed in my brother’s Bermuda shorts and had a blue hooded sweatshirt pulled up over my hair. I’d pursued my dream despite overwhelming obstacles.”

In addition to paving the way for women runners, Gibb has been an inspiration as an attorney, sculpture and medical researcher. She recently joined the Cecil B. Day Neuromuscular Laboratory as an associate working to find the causes of and cures for neurodegenerative diseases, specifically amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Gibb also spearheading the 26.2 foundation, a non-profit organization to promote the sport and the many benefits of marathoning.

Gibb was inducted into the Road Runners Club of America Long Distance Running Hall of Fame and the Sports Museum of New England Hall of Fame in 2011.

The Run for Faith is dedicated to the memory of Marcy “Faith” Romboldi, who succumbed to ovarian cancer in 2010. To date, the Run for Faith has raised more than $100,000 for local and regional causes. That includes two annual scholarships for graduating Plymouth North and South high school seniors, an annual donation to the Dana Farber’s Yawkey Center for Cancer Care, and contributions to other local cause that were near and dear to Mrs. Romboldi, such as the Plymouth Public Library.

In its short history, the Run for Faith has become known as the Plymouth run offering something for everyone. The scenic 4.58 mile rural course offers a challenge to both experienced and novice runners alike. First place finishers for men’s and women’s will receive $150, $100 for second and $50 for third. There will also be trophies for age group winners and medals will also be given out.

All women runners to receive tank top and men to receive TechWick T-shirt.

Chip timing will once again be embedded into runner's number. This technology enables photos to runners to be taken. Water stations are plentiful. Walkers and runners with strollers are welcome.

To amuse younger family members, a jumpy house will be available. A number of vendors will be on hand to sell their wares before and after the race.

The entry fee for the Run for Faith is $25 for individuals before day of the race; $30 for registration on the day of the race. One hundred percent of Run for Faith entry fees go to the aforementioned charities.

Runners can register at www.runforfaithplymouth.org. You can view the course online at http://www.mapmyrun.com/us/plymouth-ma/run-for-faith-plymouth-ma-route-115100461.

Interested sponsors can contact Matthew Romboldi at info@runforfaithplymouth.org.