Although women have proven themselves to be capable of running alongside men in competitions ranging from 5Ks to full marathons, there are a few endurance events that are especially geared towards women.
* 26.2 with Donna: The National Marathon to Fight Cancer (Jacksonville, Florida - February 2010). This marathon is organized and sponsored by Donna Deegan a Jacksonville native and breast cancer survivor. Not only do you have the pleasure of running through pituresque Jacksonville, including 2 1/2 miles on a packed sandy beach, you also gain comfort from knowing that 100% of the proceeds from the race benefit breast cancer research and patient care services at the local Mayo clinic.
* The Nike Women’s Marathon (San Francisco, California - October 2010). Not only do you get to enjoy running alongside all the other “sistas” in this marathon, you get to enjoy some other perks…like running through historic Fisherman’s Wharf, catching fantastic views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Coit Tower, and receiving a Tiffany & Co. necklace as a finisher in the race. Does it get any better than that?
* Boston Marathon (Boston, Massachusetts - April 2010). Certainly not a marathon exclusive to woman, but one of such history and prestige. This is the oldest annual marathon in the world, and until 1972 did not allow women to run. The first “unofficial” woman ran in 1966 after hiding in the bushes near the starting line, and since then women have been proving themselves as champions in the sport.
For more more information on these 3 events go to:
www.breastcancermarathon.org
www.nikemarathon.com
www.bostonmarathon.org