"Running is a celebration of the heart."

These inspiring words appeared on the flyer announcing the inaugural WDF GPS in 1990. Having just concluded its 19th Season, the Maryland RRCA Women's Distance Festival Grand Prix Series continues to be a popular program for women runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. It is the only WDF GPS in the Nation.

The primary goal of the Series has been to encourage women to train for and participate in these women-only 5K races throughout Maryland and Northern Virginia. With the exception of the "Baltimore Women's Classic 5K" which is a charity event, the races are mostly low key but with a competitive element. Women who complete 4 or more of the 12 races on the schedule are eligible for the end-of-season party and the participation award.

By scheduling the WDF races on different weekends throughout the summer, the Series has provided an opportunity for women to visit different areas of the State and enjoy the unique setting of each race. Two of our runners, Blair Jones and Saleema Ross, have done just that, touring the state and competing in WDF 5K races throughout the summer. This tour began at Tydings Park in Havre de Grace (RASAC), then on to Goucher College in Towson (Baltimore RRC), Bluemont Park in Arlington (DCRRC), Brookside Gardens in Wheaton Regional Park (Montgomery County RRC), the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Reston YMCA in Northern Virginia (Reston Runners), Howard Community College in Columbia (Howard County Striders), a beautiful shady neighborhood in West Annapolis (Annapolis Striders), the countryside of Union Mills (Westminster RRC), Rocky Gap State Park (Western Maryland RR), Frederick Community College (Frederick Steeplechasers), and, on August 23, finishing at Lake Artemesia in College Park (Prince Georges RRC), the final race on the 2008 schedule. A total of 2,941 finishers competed in the 12 races in 2008 to set a record for total participants.

The Maryland RRCA Women's Distance Festival Grand Prix Series will return for its 20th season in April, 2009. The schedule, with links to the participating clubs' web sites, will be posted on the Maryland RRCA web site. Click on "Women's Distance Festival". Or request the schedule by e-mailing wdf@mdrrca.org. Check it out and join us next year as we celebrate our 20th season.

In photo, Joanne Mallet (74) of Rockville, MD contiunes to enjoy running as she has for many years before the beggining of the Women's Distance Festival Photos by Bob Mallet.

BRRC Women's Distance Festival 5K Photo Gallery 2008
MCRRC Run for Roses 5K Photo Gallery 2008
Annapolis Striders Women's Distance Festival 5K Photo Gallery 2008
PGRC Women's Distance Festival 5K Photo Gallery 2008