Saturday, June 17, 2006, is dedicated to the ladies as the Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) presents the annual "Run for Roses 5K" Women's Distance Festival. Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in this annual event starting 8:00 a.m. at Wheaton Regional Park. Run for Roses is part of the Maryland Women's Distance Festival Grand Prix Series.

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. Now that women's distance events play a major part in the Olympics, Women's Distance Festivals continue to offer a special atmosphere for athletes of all levels. For many, it will be their first race as they graduate from a beginners program.

The Run for Roses 5K course is a scenic course through Wheaton Regional Park and 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 Moving Comfort and Fleet Feet Gaithersburg, team up together at "Fit Fest" at the Fleet Feet Gaithersburg Store, June 1. Experts from Moving Comfort will focus on sports bar fitting. You can also sign up for Run for Roses 5K that night while getting expert advise, checking out the latest fashions from Moving Comfort, sharing some appetizers with other female runners, and entering for some random prizes. Call Fleet Feet Gaithersburg at 301-926-6442 for more information. 2

Also on race day, 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.

Registration and additional information is available on the MCRRC website or call (301) 353-0200. This year's premium is a "2006 Roses" Navy Blue 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 and support of a women's only race. Whether you are a beginner or competitive athlete, it is an experience you will not forget - Celebrate women's running! Make it a part of your life!

"We Are Running in Montgomery County"