Cassidy Rose Seifert-Smith, a fourth grader at Quest Elementary School in Hilton, and Theresa Jason, (right) a business teacher at Hilton High School, meet Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Provided photo
Theresa Jason, business teacher at Hilton High School, and her granddaughter, Cassidy Rose Seifert-Smith, a fourth grader in Amy Firkins class at Quest Elementary School in Hilton, recently participated in a two-mile run sponsored by Rochester Running Company on behalf of Life Span of Rochester.
The grandmother-granddaughter team had the privilege of meeting Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to run the Boston Marathon. Nearly pulled from that race back in 1967 because she was a woman, Switzer boldly finished the marathon in just over four hours, blazing a trail for other female athletes looking to break into this sporting arena that was previously only open to men. As a result of her fearless ambition, the Boston Marathon was opened up to women runners in 1972. Switzer was in Rochester to speak at Life Span’s Celebration of Aging Conference.
“It was a great experience to meet Ms. Switzer and to participate with my granddaughter,” said Jason. “The exercise was spectacular, and the memory and future impact that this opportunity and meeting had on Cassidy Rose will be with her for years to come.”
Cassidy Rose became interested in running after joining Girls on the Run at Quest and is in her second year of participation. Girls on the Run® is a nonprofit organization that sponsors a 10-week after school program for girls in grades three through five and six through eight. Physical activity is woven into the program to inspire an appreciation of fitness and to build habits that lead to a lifetime of health. At the end of each three-month session, the girls participate in a celebratory, non-competitive Girls on the Run 5K event.
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