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.
So, imagine a powerful sea of women on the move--encouraging fellow runners and celebrating personal running triumphs. Picture a post-race party and expo all wrapped up in one memorable "after-party expo" where these strong goal-oriented women come together for well-deserved partying and pampering.
Believe us, you don't want to miss this one!
And guys... we need you too. If you can volunteer, please contact us.
Non-cash prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers overall, the Master's division (40 and over) and the Mother/Daughter division in the Half Marathon and 10K.
The top three finishers in each age group will be recognized at the awards ceremonies for the half marathon & 10K race, and the first place female in each age group will receive a frameable certificate in the mail. Age group divisions include: 12 - 14; 15 - 19; 20 - 24; 25 - 29; 30 - 34; 35 - 39; 40 -44; 45 - 49; 50 - 54; 55 - 59; 60 - 64; 65 - 69; 70 - 74; 75 - 79; 80+
5K start in North Monument Valley Park.