Increasing trend of female participants

At the Boston Marathon in 1967, Katherine Switzer was almost forcibly removed from the marathon course in an event that did not allow women to participate. Since then, Switzer and women like Olympic gold medalist Joan Benoit Samuelson and bronze medalist Deena Kastor have paved a dominating path for women into the world of endurance running.

Increasingly, Elite Racing, Inc. is noticing a strong trend in its events as more women than men make up the participating field in the company's series of musical marathons nationwide. This year, Elite Racing estimates that 56 percent of the runners and walkers participating in the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon in Virginia Beach, Va. on September 3, 2006 will be female.

"The rock 'n' roll atmosphere is one of the biggest draws for women," says Tim Murphy, CEO of Elite Racing.

"Our courses are filled with entertainment, refreshments, and energetic fans," Murphy said. "All of these amenities make a marathon or half marathon more fun and appealing for female runners and walkers, but we have built speed into the course for those racing to win."

The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon course is also open longer to accommodate walkers. Walking is a low-impact way to stay healthy, which many women adopt into their daily health regimens.

"We see many women's walking groups come to our races," said Elizabeth O'Brien event manager of the Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon. "I think women enjoy the camaraderie of walking a race together and our events are a way to test their fitness goals.

Traditionally more women are drawn to participate on charity training teams. Approximately, five percent of this year's participating field in Virginia Beach will consist of runners and walkers from various charity organizations.

In addition to completing a half marathon with a group or on a team, there also is a sense of individual accomplishment and confidence that women seek.

"We hear from our female participants all the time that they run or walk to test their personal limits, or use their (running) time on the road to build personal strength, both mentally and physically," O'Brien said.

Kim Bovee, 37, an English professor from Virginia Beach, completed her first half marathon last Labor Day weekend and will run again in this year's race. "I had never run that far before last year and wasn't sure I could do it," said Bovee. "It was inspiring to look around to see athletes from around the world, local runners, and walkers alongside those who were simply happy to finish the race any way they could." Bovee said her personal challenge has given her a new perspective on life. "No matter what happens during the rest of my day, I know I got up in the morning and ran 5 miles and I can tackle anything."

The Rock 'n' Roll Half Marathon offers a fast and flat seaside course. In addition to 20 live bands staged approximately every mile along the 13.1-mile course, 16 local high school cheerleading squads line the route. The event concludes with an evening concert featuring a premier rock 'n' roll headliner. The half marathon coincides with other holiday weekend festivities in Virginia Beach including the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival.

For additional information on the race visit www.rnrhalf.com or call 800/311-1255.