Things that suck: Having to say, "My grandfather is Jock Semple."

In 1967, in an attempt to protest/raise awareness for women's rights, Katherine Switzer entered the Boston Marathon. Women weren't allowed to participate at the time. As she started the race, the race's unofficial Assistant Director, Jock Semple, tried to run up behind her and rip her number off in anger (photo to the right). Jock was met by another race participant, Thomas Miller, who threw a huge block on him, sending him to his ass on the side of the road (see sequence, below).

from Boston.com:

In 1967, Katherine Switzer, who registered as K.V. Switzer, was grabbed by race official Jock Semple (wearing dress shoes in photo), who attempted to tear off her number.

When women were first allowed to enter in 1972, eight ran. Last year, the total was 7,708.