K.V. Switzer Global Connector Award Sponsored by Beyond Finance Given to Tegla Loroupe
NEW YORK (Nov. 4, 2025) – 261 Fearless Inc., the global nonprofit running organization which empowers women through running and education programs, revealed Saturday the winners of the inaugural K.V. Switzer Awards at the historic New York Athletic Club in New York City. The awards, named for women’s running icon and 261 Fearless co-founder Kathrine Switzer, celebrate three extraordinary individuals who are transforming lives by empowering women through running.
The K.V. Switzer Global Connector Award presented by Beyond Finance was given to Tegla Loroupe, the first African woman to win the New York City Marathon.
Loroupe’s uniting and impactful work through her foundation embodies what this award represents, with her ability to bring people together across borders as a global advocate for peace, women’s rights, and education. This legendary long-distance runner, the first African woman to win the NYC Marathon, came from humble beginnings to create the Tegla Loroupe Peace Foundation and Peace Academy to promote education, coexistence, and conflict resolution through sport. Her annual Peace Race has united warriors, leaders, and communities in African nations with thousands disarming for peace.
Other award winners included Jackie Joyner-Kersee with the K.V. Switzer Pioneer Award and Molly Barker, presented with the K.V. Switzer Community Impact Award. More information on the awards and recipients can be found here.
The awards recognize the extraordinary achievements by these individuals who have left a lasting and positive change on their communities and the world through their leadership and personal commitment to helping those around them. Winners were selected from a highly competitive field of nominees by a panel of independent judges.
Kathrine Switzer broke barriers when she became the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967. She has devoted her life’s work to creating opportunities for women to run and create positive global social change. All three inspiring and fearless award winners have played a huge part in enabling women and girls to stay healthy and gain confidence through running and physical activity.
“Winning the inaugural K.V. Switzer Global Connector Award is an immense honor that fills me with profound gratitude and humility,” said Loroupe. “Being selected from such an inspiring group of women — each a trailblazer in their own right — reminds me that we all have a role to play in a larger part of resilience and change. To have my name alongside Kathrine Switzer’s legacy is especially meaningful; her fearless run in the 1967 Boston Marathon shattered barriers for women in our sport, proving that determination can rewrite the rules. Like Kathrine, I have always believed that running is more than a race – it’s a tool for empowerment, healing, and connection.”
Just as 261 Fearless empowers women to move forward one step at a time, Beyond Finance helps clients take small, steady steps toward financial freedom. That journey mirrors the perseverance and resilience embodied by runners — confronting challenges, staying the course, and ultimately crossing their own finish line. Supporting the K.V. Switzer Global Connector Award was a natural fit for Beyond Finance – both organizations celebrate the transformative power of connection, determination, and courage in the face of adversity.
Presenting sponsor for the K.V. Switzer Global Connector Award Beyond Finance, LLC is the nation’s largest debt consolidation company. In its commitment to providing clients with a personalized approach to move beyond debt, Beyond Finance provides simple and transparent solutions that help consumers lower their monthly payments, reduce the impact of interest, and reach a debt-free life sooner. Beyond Finance holds an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and has been awarded with multiple recognitions for its commitment to clients: Organization of the Year The Business Intelligence Group’s Excellence in Customer Service Award, Gold Stevie Award for Outstanding Customer Service Department, Banking Tech Award-Financial Wellness Champion, and, 3 Consumer Affairs’ “Buyer’s Choice Awards.” Beyond Finance has offices in Chicago, Atlanta, and Houston.
“Through our Rising Beyond philanthropy initiative, we’re proud to support organizations that reflect our mission by helping individuals rise above hardship, rebuild with dignity, and move toward a stronger, more secure future,” said Lou Antonelli, Chief Operating Officer of Beyond Finance. “We deeply admire the resilience of the women runners of 261 Fearless and the spirit celebrated by the K.V. Switzer Awards — honoring those who bring women together and strengthen their bonds.”
About Kathrine Switzer:
Kathrine Switzer is an iconic athlete, sports and social advocate, author, and Emmy award winning television commentator. Her fearlessness when she ran the Boston Marathon in 1967 during a time women were not allowed to run was a pivotal step for women in sports and led to a lifetime of championing women’s running. In one of the most dramatic moments in sports history, the race director leapt from the press truck and tried to physically pull her off the course for being a woman. Switzer’s boyfriend at the time shoved away the official, allowing her to continue running and finish the race. The iconic photo of the incident along with Switzer’s bib number 261, inspired a movement for women in sports when she created a global program of women’s-only races in 27 countries that led a million women into running and getting the women’s marathon into the Olympic Games.
About 261 Fearless:
261 Fearless Inc. was co-founded by Kathrine Switzer and Edith Zuschmann in 2015 as a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering and uniting women globally through running and education. The organization includes women of all backgrounds in 14 countries on five continents, with 18 clubs and 60 running groups serving over 1,000 active program participants per year.