We Are Running In Montgomery County - Join Us!

Races are plentiful in this area, but each year one event is dedicated to the ladies. The Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) presents the annual "Run for Roses 5K Women's Distance Festival (WDF)" on Saturday, June 21, 2008, 8:00 a.m. at Wheaton Regional Park. This women's-only event is for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities and carries special meaning.

With the Olympics less than two months, it is only fitting to explain the history of the Women's Distance Festivals. In 1979, Women's Distance Festivals were developed as a series of races designed to celebrate women's running and to publicize the lack of a woman's marathon in the Olympics. In 1980, the first Women's Distance Festivals were held in mid-July to coincide with the running of the men's marathon in the Moscow Olympics. Before the 1980's, there were no women's distance races in the Olympics. The longest race for women was the 1500 meters.

In August 1984, the first women's Olympic marathon was held in the Los Angeles with the USA's Joan Benoit Samuelson winning the event. That, indeed, was a red-letter day for women of the world. But our work was not finished because ladies wanted representation in all LDR events.

The following women's events were added to the Olympics venues:

1988 - 10,000 meters
1996 - 5,000 meters

The basic premise of Women's Distance Festivals is to hold an event for all women with a distance that is not too long to attract and encourage beginners and first time racers. MCRCC and many road runner clubs have beginner programs with a goal of running WDF races. MCRRC has a large group that will experience the support and camaraderie of a women's only race on Saturday. We continue that tradition today.

Run for Roses participants will enjoy a scenic 5K course taking them through Wheaton Regional Park and Brookside Gardens and its blooming seasonal foliage. Each participant will be greeted by a gentleman presenting them a long-stem rose, hence the name of the event, and a finisher's certificate at the finish line. Massages, food, and refreshments await all at the post-race party. Awards will be given to the top three overall, first master, first two in each age group and the first three mother-daughter teams.

There will also be free 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile young runs at 7:45 am for kids 12 and under. Every kid will receive a ribbon and refreshments at the finish line. There is race-day registration only.

Online registration and additional information is available on the MCRRC Web site Race day registration and packet pick-up will begin at 7:00 a.m. at the train station.

To get to Wheaton Regional Park, take I-495 to Georgia Avenue north. Go north on Georgia Avenue to Shorefield Road (2.7 miles). Turn right, the park entrance is at the end of Shorefield Road.

Join us as we dedicate this day to the ladies. The "Run for Roses 5K" will be an experience you will not forget. Celebrate women's running - for your health - for the sport - for yourself! Make it a part of your life! 20+ years ago WDF's made a statement that women can run long distances. Today we celebrate the history of women's rights to participate in running events while promoting the sport.

Run for Roses 5K is the fourth event of the Maryland RRCA Women's Distance Festival Grand Prix Series. Here is the event schedule for the year.

We Are Running In Montgomery County - Join Us!