The Women’s Distance Festival 5K is a special race for a number of reasons. First, it is part of a series of races designed to highlight women’s running and concerns. Second, Judie Keane has spent the last three years continuing the tradition of making this event one of GWTC’s best.
Anyone who saw Tegla Loroupe’s world best time at the Berlin Marathon on September 26, 1999 (2:20:43) knows there is plenty to emphasize in women’s running. Sarah Docter-William’s winning time of 17:31on October 2, 1999 was also serious stuff.
The race itself provides support to try to eliminate one of our major human (and women’s) concerns – breast cancer. Last year’s speaker, Mary Brogan, lost her battle with cancer and this year’s race was dedicated to “the Memory and Spirit of Mary Brogan.” Most of the proceeds (approximately $1300) of the race will benefit the Women’s Pavilion Breast Cancer Awareness Program at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.