There has been a lot of talk about women only races with the recent decision of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) to only recognize women’s world record performances if they are completed in single-sex events. This decision would have reversed Paula Radcliffe’s world record in the marathon, though the IAAF later decided that they would let Radcliffe’s record stand.
There has definitely been an increase in women’s only running events over the past few decades. As more and more women take up running, I have no doubt the increase will continue. Some women runners are attracted to women only events because they feel that there is a certain camaraderie that comes with racing sans men. They feel less self-conscious about their pacing and feel supported and cheered on by all of the other female runners, regardless of their position in the line-up. I have seen this first hand when participating in women only races. When one woman passes another, she gives some positive encouragement while running by. It’s almost as if you are working as at team.
I think the increase in these events is also due to the fact that the demographics of race entrants has shifted over time. According to Running USA statistics, women now account for 6.9 million finishers in road racing events. In fact, women represent 53% of entrants into these events! That’s pretty amazing, considering that women were not even able to participate in the Olympic marathon until 1984.
If you are interested in participating in a women’s only race, some of the very popular ones include: Nike Women’s Marathon in San Francisco, the Diva Half Marathon series, the Zooma race series, the Freihofers Run for Women 5k, the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, and the NYRR Modern Mini 10K.
How do you feel about women only races? Have you ever run one?
I haven’t done one yet but I hope to in the future! Great post!!
Thanks Michele! You definitely should do one–they are a lot of fun!
Paula, the IAAF feels that a mixed field allows women to use men as pace setters and therefore run faster times than they would in women only races. Personally, I am not a big fan of their ruling, but I am glad they are letting Radcliffe’s record stand. That’s awesome that you signed up for the Princess Half! I am dying to do a Disney race!
I’ve worked three women-only races as a vendor and they are easily my favorite events to attend.
It’s not necessarily less competitive, but the after-race atmosphere feels far more inviting (there was tons of dancing), and way more people stuck around to talk running, shoes (I work with a shoe company) and general fitness with a cosmo in hand (two races were called Cosmo7k).
It may be because the races are smaller that they feel more manageable, but it feels, to me, that most women feel more comfortable racing in them, especially if they’re not in great shape or super-competitive runners.
The skill level certainly isn’t lacking, as the fastest women in these races are usually right around the fastest women in the mixed races I typically participate in.