Across the country, thousands of women hit the road for daily or weekly runs. However, when it comes to signing up for races, many of them long for a non-competitive and supportive atmosphere that can be hard to find.
We've compiled a list of ten women-focused races that offer both of those things, plus post-race chocolate treats, champagne and free massages for finishers. With on-course support and hundreds of women to encourage you along, there's no excuse not to register for your first (or first in a while) race.
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Ten Women-Only Races with Serious Girl Power
Written by
Erica Schuckies
See Jane Run Women's Half Marathon, 5K & Kids Run
June 5, 2016; San Francisco
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Great views, celebratory champagne and chocolate? This race offers it all for any running women.
The course, which is mostly flat, is run through Alameda, California, with great views of the Bay Area along the way, including glimpses of downtown San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
All finishers receive a complimentary lunch, T-shirt (technical fabric for half marathoners, cotton for 5K runners), finisher's medal, tote bag, a souvenir champagne glass complete with bubbly, chocolates and a massage.
The series also offers a race in Seattle in early July, where runners will enjoy scenic views of Seattle waterways, floating homes, parks and the quirky neighborhoods that the city is known for. To register for the Seattle location, click here.
The course, which is mostly flat, is run through Alameda, California, with great views of the Bay Area along the way, including glimpses of downtown San Francisco and the San Francisco Bay Bridge.
All finishers receive a complimentary lunch, T-shirt (technical fabric for half marathoners, cotton for 5K runners), finisher's medal, tote bag, a souvenir champagne glass complete with bubbly, chocolates and a massage.
The series also offers a race in Seattle in early July, where runners will enjoy scenic views of Seattle waterways, floating homes, parks and the quirky neighborhoods that the city is known for. To register for the Seattle location, click here.
Her Madison Half Marathon & 5K
June 24-26, 2016; Madison, Wis.
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This feel-good race celebrates every runner, no matter her athletic ability or current fitness level, and focuses on the overall race experience, not the competition.
Whether you're interested in the 5K or the half marathon, race organizers encourage you to sign up their signature "weekend experience" option. These runners receive special wristbands when they pick up their packets, giving them access to a number of exclusive events, including a welcome reception and Friday night party, a "shakeout run" Saturday morning and a yoga session Saturday afternoon, making it a full-on race weekend retreat.
All finishers receive a medal, T-shirt and access to the post-race party.
Whether you're interested in the 5K or the half marathon, race organizers encourage you to sign up their signature "weekend experience" option. These runners receive special wristbands when they pick up their packets, giving them access to a number of exclusive events, including a welcome reception and Friday night party, a "shakeout run" Saturday morning and a yoga session Saturday afternoon, making it a full-on race weekend retreat.
All finishers receive a medal, T-shirt and access to the post-race party.
Bridge of the Goddess Presented by Human Investing
Sept. 17, 2016; Cascade Locks, Ore.
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Channel your inner goddess and choose either a 10K or half marathon at this event, only a 45-minute drive from downtown Portland. The course takes you through the lush Columbia River Gorge and even starts on the Bridge of the Gods, a steel bridge that sits over the Columbia River and connects Oregon and Washington.
Goddess costumes are allowed on the course, and race organizers encourage runners to do hill and stair training beforehand so they're prepared for race day. Afterwards, celebrate your hard work with a post-race party featuring live bands and local brews at a beer garden on the riverbank.
Goddess costumes are allowed on the course, and race organizers encourage runners to do hill and stair training beforehand so they're prepared for race day. Afterwards, celebrate your hard work with a post-race party featuring live bands and local brews at a beer garden on the riverbank.
Queen Bee Half Marathon and 4-Miler
Oct. 8, 2016, Cincinnati
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Prepare to see your fair share of bumblebee costumes at this race—or better yet, join in on the buzzy fun. With a mission of promoting fitness while raising funds for local women-focused charities, the Queen Bee event offers a half marathon and four-mile race for runners and walkers of all abilities. Both distances feature live bands and DJs along the course, and swag, chocolates and pampering await you at the finish line. And this race doesn't discriminate—men are also welcome to register for this women-themed event. Photo Credit: Michael Anderson.
Goldilocks Vegas
Oct. 22, 2016, Las Vegas
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The Goldilocks series offers running and cycling events around the country, but we, of course, are partial to the 5K, 10K or half marathon runs. With a dispatch phone number for on-course emergencies and fully stocked rest stops every two miles (think fresh fruit, water, Gatorade, gels, and plenty of love and support) this race is the perfect option for the newbie runner. Organizers accept hair donations at each event, which are used to make real-hair wigs for women and children who could otherwise not afford them.
Athleta Unleash the SHE
Oct. 23, 2016, Bloomington, Minn.
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Registering for the Unleash the SHE race is not only beneficial for your body, it's also making a positive difference for thousands of women affected by ovarian cancer across the state of Minnesota. Race proceeds go directly to the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, funding crucial research and providing support and resources to individuals and families in Minnesota. Racers receive a long-sleeve technical race T-shirt—perfect for those blustery Minnesota winters.
Gildan Esprit de She
Nov. 3, 2016, Atlanta
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This evening race begins with a warm-up dance and ends with a night on the town like you've never experienced. The Esprit de She is a fun 5K or 10K race with a post-race party you won't want to miss. After crossing the finish line, hit the Esprit de She signature lifestyle market, where you can sip champagne, get your fill of tapas and treats, and enjoy mini-manicures and massages from the Panasonic Beauty Bar. All registrants receive a race tank, two post-race drinks from the Bubbly Bar and a souvenir event photo. Photo courtesy of Gildan Esprit de She.
GirlsRunFast.com Women's 10K
Nov. 20, 2016, Tempe, Ariz.
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According to race organizers, this 10K, put on by GirlsRunFast.com, is not your average road race where you get a race T-shirt and finisher's medal. Instead, it's a race where you get "amazing stuff" and have the honor to be part of a movement to inspire women's inner strength and celebrate their achievements. Along with a cool pink technical race shirt, reflective stickers and "Girls Run Fast!" temporary tattoos, all finishers receive a sterling silver necklace tag with the distance ran etched into the tag (5K or 10K). Age group winners receive a sterling silver runner girl necklace, and all runners are eligible to win awesome gift certificate prizes. Race organizers also put on the Phoenix Women's Half Marathon on January 31, 2016, so mark your calendars.
Cocoa Women's Half Marathon
Jan. 15, 2017, San Antonio
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You'll be sweet on the fourth annual Cocoa Women's Half Marathon not only because it celebrates women everywhere, but it also offers a can't-miss after party with as much chocolate and goodies as you can stand. The festivities include a costume contest for those dressed in chocolate-themed getups, post-race pancakes and a finisher's medal in the shape of chocolate treats. Sounds delicious!
Publix Savannah Women's Half Marathon and 5K
April 8, 2017, Savannah, Ga.
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Enjoying the historic beauty of downtown Savannah while getting your exercise for the day? We're in. This half marathon and 5K race takes runners through some of the most scenic parts of the southern city, including streets lined with shady oak trees and the historic Forsyth Park Fountain. The New Balance Race Expo will host packet pick-up and a tempting look at the latest running, health and fitness apparel and gear for your active lifestyle.