Glenthompson competitor Sally Beggs is among those using Kathrine Switzer’s remarkable story as encouragement.

Beggs, 43, will travel to New York later this month as an ambassador for global women’s running club 261 Fearless and take part in a ‘train the trainer program’.

Switzer was the first woman to officially run in the Boston marathon after registering for the male-only event as K.V Switzer in 1967.

Race director Jock Semple physically tried to pull her 261 bib off during the race.

But Switzer proceeded, making world-wide headlines in the process.

Female entrants were officially welcomed in 1972 with Semple instrumental in the change.

Beggs, who ran in the Boston marathon earlier this year, said the chance to be part of the Fearless 261 group was uplifting.

“I was lucky enough to meet Kathrine when I was in Boston,” she said.

“And I hooked up with her via social media, as you can do these days, and was sent an email to be an ambassador.

“I am looking forward to this amazing experience and meeting women from all over the world who share the same passion for running.  

“When I return I can create a 261 Fearless club and go on to train other groups of women.  

“It will be for all women inclusive of ability, body type, religion, ethnicity or socio-economic status.  

“I understand how women can benefit enormously from running to overcome personal limitation and adversity.  

“I want to encourage women to run or walk, lace up some runners and see where you can go.”

Beggs’ running journey started in 2012. The Warrnambool Athletics Club member has since completed eight half marathons and seven full marathons.

“I feel like I have got so much out of running,” she said.

“I am only new to running and so far it’s been a very personal journey and now I feel I am ready to give back to running.”

Beggs jumped straight into long distance running when she took up the sport, signing up for a half marathon.

“I was encouraged to. I thought ‘I am not a runner’ but I challenged myself to see if I could do a half marathon,” she said.

“I went from walker to half marathon runner in 12 weeks. There is nothing like signing up to an event to keep you motivated.”