Starting Line 1928 Podcast Wins Adam Jacobs Memorial Award

Track and Field Oral History Project Honored for Online Excellence

CHICAGO, July 1, 2024 – Starting Line 1928, an oral history podcast documenting the stories of women's distance-running pioneers, has been awarded the 2024 Adam Jacobs Memorial Award for Online Excellence by The Track and Field Writers of America.

The Adam Jacobs Award, first presented in 2009, recognizes excellence in online athletics journalism and coverage. It honors the growing number of journalists bringing track and field stories to digital audiences.

"We are honored to receive this award," said Cara Hawkins-Jedlicka, who leads the project along with Cindy Kuzma and Freddi Carlip. "It is fitting to win this award in the same year as the 40th anniversary of the women’s marathon being added to the Olympics. We are glad to bring recognition to the trailblazers who pioneered women's distance running."

Launched in 2021, Starting Line 1928 has published over 40 episodes, each featuring in-depth interviews with women runners who helped break down barriers in the sport. Accompanying written profiles provide context around their achievements.

The project's origins trace back to 2013 when Olympic distance runner Amy Yoder Begley collaborated with the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) to interview over 40 women running pioneers. Fourteen of those initial interviews were released as a podcast.

Upon learning of Begley's work, Gary Corbitt, son of legendary runner Ted Corbitt, assembled a team to continue preserving this history.

“It’s an honor to be part of Starting Line 1928 and to bring the stories of women running pioneers into the spotlight. These pioneers set the stage for future generations of women runners. Learning our history is vital for the continued growth of women’s running. Thank you to The Track and Field Writers of America for your recognition of our work,” said Freddi Carlip.

With a growing archive of first-person accounts, Starting Line 1928 serves as a record of the struggle, determination and athletic ability of the women who fought for equal access and opportunity. The podcast is available on major podcasting platforms, with more episodes coming this year.

Learn more at www.startingline1928.com.

About Starting Line 1928
Starting Line 1928 is an oral history project dedicated to preserving the stories of women pioneers in distance running. Through longform interviews and profiles, the podcast chronicles their fight to break down barriers and achieve equality. It was founded in 2020 by Cindy Kuzma, Cara Hawkins-Jedlicka, Freddi Carlip, and Johanna Gretschel.

Media Contact:
Cara Hawkins-Jedlicka
Co-Founder
Startingline1928@gmail.com

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