Photo below: The winning mother-daughter teams pose with their awards after a Run for Roses 5K. Photo by Bob Mallet

On Saturday, June 19, 2004, precisely at 8:00 am, females of all ages and abilities will begin their 3.1-mile trek at this year's "Run for Roses 5K Women's Distance Festival" in Wheaton Regional Park. The annual race is presented by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) and a part of the 2004 Maryland Women's Grand Prix Series.

Each year, from June through October, Women's Distance Festivals are held throughout the United States. From time to time, as a female runner and race director, I get asked why a women's only race and the meaning of a women's distance festival. My answer is simple - the Olympics.

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.

In 1984, the Olympics added the women's marathon with Joan Benoit Samuelson, USA, winning the race. Women were running longer distances and now proved it to the world! Soon after, 5,000 and 10,000 meters were added to the women's venue.

Twenty-five years later, the Women's Distance Festivals still offer a special atmosphere for athletes of all levels. These participants continue to carry the torch for women's running as we get closer to the Olympic games in Athens.

At the Run for Roses 5K, we will be doing just that, "Celebrating Women's Running." Ladies, this is your day to relax, have some fun, and enjoy the scenic course as you run through the woods, along the lake and around beautiful Brookside Gardens.

As runners cross the finish line, each will be presented with a long-stem rose and a finisher certificate. Professional photographers will be on the course taking pictures available for you to purchase as a reminder of your day. Post-race massages will also be available.

Awards will be presented to the top three finishers, first masters division finisher, top two in age groups ranging from under-14 to 70 and over, mid-pack finisher, and the top three mother-daughter teams. There will also be random awards and refreshments.

Registration is available online or by mail-in form. To access the online registration or to download an application, visit the MCRRC Web site. Registration fees are $5.00 through June 9; $10 from June 10 through race day. Souvenir t-shirts are available for an additional $8.00. Packet pick-up and race-day registration will begin at 7:00 am at the children's train station.

For kids 12 and under, there will be free 1/4 mile and 1/2 mile young runs at 7:45 am. Every kid will receive a ribbon and refreshments at the finish line. Race-day registration only.

The "Run for Roses 5K" encourages all females to come out and experience the camaraderie and support of a women's-only race. Whether you're a beginner or competitive athlete, it's an experience you won't forget and your tie to this year's Olympics!

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.