Would women be running today if there were no Distance Festivals?

The Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) "Run for Roses 5K Women's Distance Festival" will be held Saturday, June 16, 2007 at 8:00 a.m. in Wheaton Regional Park. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this annual event. The women's-only event has special meaning for many runners, but would so many women actually be out there had there not been the formation 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 women'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. Then in 1984, the first women's Olympic marathon was held in Los Angeles with the United States Joan Benoit winning the event. Finally, the opportunity to race and run longer distances! Now that women's distance events play a major role in the Olympics, Women's Distance Festivals continue to offer a special atmosphere for athletes of all levels. It allows you to enjoy the fitness experience, whether running or walking, and continue celebrating the successes women have achieved in the sport. For many participants, it will be their first race as they graduate from a beginner's program.

Statistics continue to show that more women are participating in the sport each and every year. In the metropolitan area, often races have 51% or more female participants registered in area road races. As the saying goes: "You're not getting older - you're getting better!"

The Run for Roses 5K course is a scenic course through Wheaton Regional Park at Brookside Gardens especially during the spring when the gardens are at full bloom. As befits the name of the race, each finisher will be presented a long-stem rose and finisher certificate as she crosses the finish line. Then stay and enjoy some refreshments or a post-race massage before for the awards ceremony. Awards will be given to the top three overall, first master, mid-pack finisher, first two in each age group and the first three mother-daughter teams.

Returning sponsors are Fleet Feet Gaithersburg, Potomac Pizza, Power Bar, Honest Tea, and Georgetown Sports Message.

Also on race day, there will 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. For these events there is race-day registration only.

Online registration and additional information is available on the MCRRC web site or call (301) 353-0200. This year's premium is a "2007 Roses" Teal technical shirt for an additional fee. 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 Ave to Shorefield Road (2.7 miles). Turn right, the park entrance is at the end of Shorefield Road.

The "Run for Roses 5K" encourages all females to come out and experience the camaraderie, support, and fun of a women's-only race. Whether you're a beginner or competitive athlete, it is an experience you will not forget. Celebrate women's running! Make it a part of your life!

Run for Roses 5K is part of the Maryland RRCA Women's Distance Festival Grand Prix Series.

"We Are Running in Montgomery County"