Yesterday’s piece on Kathrine Switzer included mention of Jock Semple, who failed in his attempt to snatch Switzer’s number off her back during the 1967 Boston Marathon. Semple’s actions were pathetic in every sense of the word, but it seems a shame for him to be defined by a single ignominious moment. Runner’s World recently gathered recollections from many who knew Semple. This includes Switzer herself, who publicly reconciled with Semple just a few years after their first run-in.
Tom Fleming’s quote might be the best of all:
By the way, I love those photos of him chasing Kathrine in 1967. He made a worthy effort, but history was passing him by on that day.
