This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the Women's Distance Festival. Please join us on Sunday, May 22, 2005 at 8 A.M. at Goucher College. This event includes a 5K walk and run for women of all ages and abilities. Whether you are a competitive runner, a beginner walker, or a jogger, we invite you to participate in this popular, annual event. This year we have moved our date to the spring and will kick off the Maryland WDF Grand Prix Series. Please note we are returning to Goucher College this year much to our delight. Last year's campus construction prevented us from using this course but we have been invited back!

The Women's Distance Festival was originally established in 1980 and was sponsored by the Road Runners Club of America (RRCA) to highlight the lack of women's distance running events in the Olympics. In the inaugural year, RRCA clubs across the country held 5K runs on the Saturday in mid-July, which was closest to that on which the men's marathon was held in the Moscow Olympics - July 13, 1980. While women's distance events are now firmly established in the Olympics, the RRCA Women's Distance Festival has continued as a celebration of women's running.

The Baltimore Road Runners Club is proud to have been associated with this event over the course of the years and we will continue to support women's health and fitness as host of one of the races in the Grand Prix Series statewide. The 2005 Maryland Womens Distance Festival Grand Prix Series is sponsored by the Maryland RRCA and its participating RRCA clubs, and by the Potomac Valley Association of USATF. The WDF Grand Prix Series consists of ten 5K (3.1 miles) races for women runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Women who complete four or more of the races are eligible to receive the WDF participation award. For complete, up-to-date information on these events, please check Maryland RRCA Web site

Save the date and plan to participate in this women's only event. The Goucher College campus provides a scenic, gently rolling two-loop course. You will enjoy the camaraderie of fellow walkers and runners and will be cheered on by our volunteers along the way. Awards and random prizes are always a big hit. Because this is a women's race, the awards are unique and custom designed with the woman in mind. We include special categories for recognizing "Mother/Daughter" and Grandmother/Granddaughter" teams - so make this a family affair! And, you'll want to stay for the post race refreshments and photos!

Our Grand Marshal and official race starter will be Baltimore's own, Catherine Pugh. Catherine was a 4th District City Council Person serving from 1999-2004. She is a wonderful role model for women as a leader in our community and is a respected and talented runner as well. Catherine joins the great company of our past Grand Marshals: veteran runner and "streak holder" Bob Ray, and BRRC Hall of Fame members Marge Rosasco and Marilyn Bevans. Come meet and run with Catherine!

This year's premium is sure to please as well - a special 25th anniversary edition BRRC customized tote bag for all entrants. Bring your family and friends to cheer you on! Come and celebrate the silver anniversary of the Women's Distance Festival! See you on May 22!

Information on the BRRC WDF 5K