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The New Balance Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K Sets Record Numbers
By Wendy Moskowitz
September/October 2009
On June 28, 2009, the New Balance Baltimore Women's Classic celebrated its 34th annual running with record numbers. Surpassing last year's counts of 945 chip-timed finishers and 1250 registered participants, the BWC welcomed 1399 timed finishers and 1845 registrants this year-a growth of 47 percent overall.
In economic times that challenge even the most steadfast, the BWC was faced with the daunting task of not only acquiring the funds necessary to provide a first class event, but even more importantly, of raising the funds and awareness that are critical to its mission statement. It is the BWC's intent that this mission statement be for all women, whether first-time runners or seasoned record holders: "The Baltimore Women's Classic is dedicated to promoting fitness and healthy living among all women while increasing awareness of women's health issues. Our guiding principle is the belief that athletic accomplishments are measured by healthy attitudes and by each woman reaching her own personal goals . . . . The race promotes a healthy spirit in our community where runners, volunteers and race organizers help women of all ages and abilities take strong steps toward a healthier lifestyle." This past year the BWC generated more than $30,000 for BWC, Inc. to provide support services for gynecologic cancer patients and their families-- truly what sets the Baltimore Women's Classic 5K apart from other Women's Distance Festival races.
In the eight weeks leading up to the race, the BWC once again offered an 8-week training program presented by Charm City Run as a corporate sponsor of the race, and New Balance as its title sponsor. Three venues for training were offered this year, adding C. Milton Wright High School in Bel Air to the existing Maryland venues of Goucher College in Towson and Westminster High School.
Runners expressed their appreciation for the details that always set the BWC apart--from the vendors in the Festival Village to the musicians on the course, from the product-laden goody bag to the women's-fit New Balance technical shirt. The gift of a single rose presented to each woman as she crossed the finish line was followed by an ice-cold face towel, always welcome on a warm summer morning in Baltimore.
In addition to registering as an individual runner or walker, women were encouraged to participate as part of a team or a mother/daughter duo in order to be eligible for a special category of prizes. A Kids Co-ed Fun Run was offered for children eight years and younger, this year boasting more than 50 children. (The Kids Fun Run launched at the conclusion of the 5K, and recognized each child with the award of a finisher's medal and a child-friendly goody bag.)
In a post-race survey, one runner expressed the universal feeling experienced by the participants and showed why the Baltimore Women's Classic 5K is a race that women come back to every year, bringing their friends and family members alike: "I've run in a few co-ed 5K's, but in the BWC, I loved the feeling . . . women cheering for each other and giving each other encouragement. And I wanted my daughters to see women of all ages and sizes who are powerful, strong, and determined."
Powerful, strong, and determined they were. Prize money was awarded to the top three overall finishers, with monetary awards also bestowed upon the top female master and grand master runners.
Please join me in congratulating the winners and in recognizing that every runner, walker, volunteer, and supporter all made a difference far beyond the last finish line cheer. The message of the Baltimore Women's Classic continues to thrive because of one unsurpassed belief-that we have the ability to triumph over our adversities. Because we do. We will. And "Yes, We Can."