Race History

The RRCA started the Women’s Distance Festival in 1979 in response to the lack of distance races for women in the Olympic games. The SRRC held its first Women’s Distance Festival race (4K) in July 1980. One hundred twenty-six women registered and 115 finished. The tradition continues today to celebrate women’s rights to participate in running events at any distance.

Race Benefactor

This year as in the recent past, any remaining monies will be donated to Girls on the Run, a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect & healthy lifestyles through running. The curricula address all aspects of girls’ development - their physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being. During the last 4 years, Girls on the Run of Springfield has impacted the lives of 300+ girls.

Location

Start and finish at Washington park picnic shelter, 1400 Williams Boulevard, in Springfield, Illinois. Parking is available on the neighboring streets but will not be available next to the start area once the race begins.

The Course

This 2-mile course winds through beautiful Washington Park by the duck pond and past some historic homes and mature woods. It’s a terrific course for an experienced runner as well as a first time one.

Children's Fun Run

Once again, we offer the children’s fun run including complimentary t-shirts to the first 100 who register. It will be divided into three age categories. In keeping with the spirit, there will be no individual awards other than the shirts. more info...

Health Fair - 8:45 - 11:00 AM

Once again, the race will be followed by a very popular feature, the health fair. It will include health screenings and information geared towards women and children. Be sure and visit our many booths and plan your run around it.

Shirts

Every participant entered by July 1st will receive a non-fitted wicking sleeveless t-shirt sized for a woman. Shirts may be available after this date but the availability of sizes are not guaranteed. Shirts and awards must be claimed at the event.

Awards

Overall top female. Age Groups: Top 2 females in each division through age 80. For the first time, the race is offering beautiful engraved silver bracelets to the first place finishers. Second place finishers will receive engraved silver key chains.

Race Results

Results will be on this website or www.srrc.net

Race Circuits

The Women’s Distance Festival offers points for the SRRC, Lake Run Club & Starved Rock Club Series.