A strong woman is ageless. She is everywhere. She is not defined by her shape or size but rather by her personal strength.

The Baltimore Women's Classic 5K race will take place Sunday, June 24, 2007 from the Baltimore Museum of Industry in the Inner Harbor. Participation is anticipated to exceed 1,000 racers for the largest women-only race in Maryland. Race organizers have announced New Balance as the 2007 title sponsor for the race, which will also serve as the 2007 Road Runners Club of America's Maryland Women's 5K Championship Race.

Once again, the Baltimore Women's Classic honors Virginia "Jenny" Smith, a native of Stevenson, MD who was known throughout the community as a tireless volunteer and businesswoman. A former CEO and president of Union National Bank in Westminster, Smith was a recipient of the United Way of Central Maryland's Clementine Peterson Award for outstanding community service. She lost her battle with uterine sarcoma in July 2001. Sponsoring this year's Baltimore Women's Classic 5K, which benefits the Barnett-Searing National Cancer Foundation and its commitment to supporting research for gynecological cancers, is a fitting celebration of Jenny's life and legacy.

In keeping with its mission of providing new life, energy and viability in the 21st century to the healing ministry, St. Joseph's Medical Center is a presenting sponsor for the Baltimore Women's Classic this year. By embracing a mission of loving service and compassionate care for all regardless of their ability to pay, the organization hopes to move toward the creation of healthier communities.

Schedule of Events:

The New Balance Jenny Smith Baltimore Women's Classic 5K
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Baltimore Museum of Industry, Key Highway

8:00 a.m. Women's 5K
9:00 a.m. Co-ed Kids' Fun Run
9:15 a.m. Post Race Party and Awards Ceremony (cash prizes for top finishers, refreshments, music, random prizes)

About the Baltimore Women's Classic:

The Baltimore Women's Classic has a long and storied history dating back to 1976, when the Baltimore Road Runners Club hosted the "Women's 10,000 Meter Run" in March with a mere 88 finishers. Since then, thousands of women have participated in Baltimore's premiere all-women's race, both young and old, runners and walkers, the competitive and those out for a fun morning with friends. The Baltimore Women's Classic is part of the popular Women's Distance Festival series held throughout Maryland, Washington, DC, and Northern Virginia. Believed to be the second longest-running women's road races in the nation, the race supports women's health issues, with all proceeds going toward women's causes. The race is intended to celebrate life, fitness and the power that lies inside each woman to take control of her health.

For the fifth year, WJZ-TV's Denise Koch will serve as the emcee of the day's events, which consist of the women's 5K race, a Kids' Co-ed Fun Run for children twelve and under, and a Post Race Village featuring exhibits and displays by sponsors, community groups and related organizations.

For more information, visit www.baltimorewomensclassic.com