This event originated as a RRCA sponsored event with the RRCA providing many of the race supplies and goodies to member running clubs that organized the event at each local level. The RRCA first supported the event in 1979. Saucony and Moving Comfort were national sponsors of the event, as arranged through the RRCA.
The PPRR organized its first Women's Distance Festival in 1979. This continued until 1984. The 1984 race was run on the same day as when Joan Benoit Samuelson won the Women's Olympic Gold medal.
There were no races from 1985 - 1992.
In 1993, Melody Lundin resurrected the race and continued as race director until 2002. Melody would go out of her way to make sure all of the volunteers were male, and she would make volunteer shirts with the slogan, "I Love Fast Women." Melody also arranged for unique hand-crafted awards, and had women's-specific shirts, or other female-type apparel/bags/etc.
John O'Neill took over the race director duties in 2003 and has added cash prizes to the mix. This has attracted some fast runners from Alamosa, Boulder and other areas. Many of the course records have been set since cash prizes were added.
In 2011, PPRR and ZOOMA Colorado formed a strategic partnership, given the fact that both organizations share the same goal of promoting women's running. ZOOMA has been at the forefront of producing races for women around the country. Given their marketing and production expertise, and PPRR's local knowledge and volunteer base, it made sense to combine efforts and create one big Women's Distance Festival. In 2011, the 5K course was exchanged for greater distances: a half marathon and a 10K.
The Womens’ Distance Festival is no longer an event for “women only”. This event is now a “community” event, supporting the Girls on the Run® of the Rockies.
Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that uses the power of running to change the way girls ages 8-13 see themselves and their opportunities. Girls learn to stretch themselves physically, mentally, emotionally and socially through a unique 10 week curriculum that combines self-esteem, character-building lessons with training for a 5K. For many of the girls this will be their first 5K event.
All proceeds from this event will be donated to Girls on the Run® of the Rockies™. Join the Pikes Peak Road Runners and be part of the recognition of this organization. All monies will stay in our community and be designated for overall program support.
NO ANIMALS, NO BABY JOGGERS/STROLLERS, NO EARBUDS/HEADPHONES, NO BIKES/TRIKES PLEASE RESPECT THE SAFETY OF ALL. Thank you.
And guys... we need you too. You can race, or to volunteer, please contact us.
1st overall male and female, 1st overall male/female in each age group division including: 10 - 19; 20 - 29; 30 - 39; 40 - 49; 50 - 59; 60 - 69; 70 - 79; 80+
5K start in North Monument Valley Park.