This February, we’re celebrating Women in Sports! After all, it was only a little over forty years ago that women were barred from entering most road races. Now, they make up half the endurance community and have flooded the scene with both serious athletes and seriously fun races. From beachside runs to champagne toasts, these women’s races are perfect for a PR, a ladies’ retreat, or both!
Sept. 24, 2017 | Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN
In the 10 years since its inception, Women Run the Cities has become one of the most popular women’s races in the U.S.! With walker-friendly courses along the Mississippi River in 10 Mile, 10K, and 5K distances, women of all abilities can find their stride in this Twin Cities event. You can even race alongside your younger daughters or nieces in the Girls’ 1 Mile Run! No matter which one you choose, you’ll still receive a medal and stylish race shirt to take home. And, speaking of home, you don’t have to leave the men there – unless you want to. Men of all ages are welcome to cheer and/or volunteer!
Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K
April 8, 2017 | Savannah, GA
Thanks to Savannah’s warm weather and undeniable charm, you’ll fall in love with this race before you even set foot on the course. But once you do, you’ll tour tree-lined streets and historic city squares before running to the finish at the Forsyth Park Fountain. Yet despite the town’s beauty, the Publix Savannah Women’s Half & 5K realizes there’s more to a good race than just a pretty face. A pre-race Fashion Fitness Expo with food samples and free massages, plus a rockin’ post-race party with live music, complete the perfect women’s race weekend.
Her Madison Half Marathon & 5K
June 25, 2017 | Madison, WI
The Her Madison Half Marathon & 5K makes our top ten list for its “Weekend Experience” package. Arrive on Friday for the Welcome Reception and Cocktail Party; start Saturday with a group run, relaxing yoga sesh, and trip to the Wellness Expo; and wrap up the weekend with your race along Lake Mendota and the post-race party! Book a room with your girlfriends at their partner hotel to stay close to all the action, or bring along your man and send him to Husband Hill on race day. There, he can play football and cornhole with the other dudes and cheer you on for one of the toughest parts of the course!
June 3, 2017 | Moab, UT
If you’re a fan of the movie or just looking for a race to run with your BFF, head to beautiful Moab for the Thelma & Louise Half Marathon or Relay! The flat, out-and-back course runs along the Colorado River and in addition to the scenery, you might recognize a few movie references including the Brad Pitt stop staffed by men in jeans, white tees and cowboy hats. If you’re not already sold, runners also receive a tech shirt, local beer, and a medal that doubles as a belt buckle! You can even camp the night before the race for a true on-the-run experience.
Diva Myrtle Beach Half Marathon & 5K
May 7, 2017 | North Myrtle Beach, SC
Don’t want to run in the desert? The super-girly Diva’s Half Marathon & 5K in Myrtle Beach might be more up your alley! Each participant gets a pink tutu to rock while they run and a chance to diva-up at the boa and tiara station. Once you cross the finish in all your flair, toast with some bubbly and enjoy the energetic post-race party in your shiny new medal and fitted tech shirt. You’ll want to round up the girls for this one; arrive early to pick up your packet and stick around for a few rounds of golf!
Lululemon SeaWheeze Half Marathon
Aug. 12, 2017 | Vancouver, BC
This race isn’t women-specific, but it’s still a great pick for a girls’ getaway! You’ll have to get your passport though: the Lululemon SeaWheeze Half Marathon is a two-day running and yoga extravaganza held in downtown Vancouver. After spending Saturday shopping the SeaWheeze Showcase Store and getting your downward dog on, you’ll get to race alongside the Pacific Ocean in your special edition Lululemon SeaWheeze shorts. Then, dine on a scrumptious post-race runners’ brunch and prepare for the Sunset Festival featuring outdoor yoga, live music, food and brews.
April 30, 2017 | New York, NY
The SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon offers race day adventure in the Big Apple! Grab the girls to race around Central Park and enjoy live music, raffles, free food and beauty samples at the post-race party. You’ll also receive a medal, race shirt, and a one-year subscription to SHAPE Magazine so you can stay fit and fabulous for next year’s race! Sign up early and you’ll have the chance to attend Ladies’ Night at Bloomingdale’s in NYC, where you can meet SHAPE editors and get training tips and beauty touch-ups.
SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half & 5K
June 3, 2017 | Temecula, CA
What’s a women’s race without wine!? The SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half & 5K offers everything you need to make it to the finish line: trail views, free massages, wine tastings, raffles, and a sweet commemorative wine glass and wine stopper medal for the half marathon! Sign up with a team of four women for a chance to win even more prizes by finishing with the fastest average time or by having the most team spirit!
Feb. 26, 2017 | Orlando, FL
Any woman – or man – will feel like royalty in the Disney Princess Half Marathon! Your favorite characters (and hundreds of spectators) will cheer you on from Epcot to Cinderella Castle and back for your fairytale finish, where you’ll receive your medal and celebrate in the most magical place on Earth! If you’re not ready for the half marathon, experience the magic with the Disney Princess 10K or 5K instead. Or, if you have even more princess power, run the 10K and the Half Marathon to complete the Glass Slipper Challenge and receive three sparkling medals! No matter which race(s) you choose, costumes are encouraged. So pick a princess and start running!
What’s been your favorite women’s race? Which ones are you still training for? Connect with your friends and find your next girls’ getaway at Athlinks.com!
