Five of the Best Women’s Only Races

As a female runner, there is certainly something to be said about racing in a co-ed race. First of all, it can be absolutely thrilling to be running strong alongside competitive male runners, and even more satisfying to pass them in the last mile stretch! And it is always nice to run alongside your boyfriend, fiance, or husband if the two of you have made it a commitment and a goal to train hard together, and then race together. But maybe, running in an all women’s race could be just the race experience that you have been wanting and waiting for!

There is a level of camaraderie, support, encouragement, benefits and even friendship among women runners unlike any other. We women runners understand each other. We know how hard it can be to be a mom, a wife, a girlfriend, hold a job, go to school, and be all things to everyone while still taking care of ourselves and making running a priority. We know how to work through pain. We know how awful it can be to do speed intervals during that time of the month.

Below is a list of five of the best women’s only races that, if you have the opportunity, you should absolutely sign up for and run. It will be an awesome day no matter what your race time, guaranteed!

Cocoa Women’s Half Marathon

Where: San Antonio, Texas

The Cocoa Women’s Half Marathon in San Antonio is perfect if you (and your taste buds) prefer the sweeter things in life! The highlight of the Cocoa Half Marathon is always the after party because you can bet it lives up to its sugary name! There are delicious chocolatey sweets and treats galore. But the race itself is fun too. Participants are encouraged to wear candy and chocolate themed costumes and running attire, and there are prizes given out for the most creative get-ups. Grab your girlfriends, have some fun playing dress up, run through the streets of San Antonio, and finish up with an indulgent post-race party!

Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend

Where: Orlando, Florida

True to just about everything that Disney does, the entire weekend of the The Disney Princess Half Marathon event is a sight to behold! This year, from February 22 to February 25, runners will flock to Orlando to take part in this race series. And this year marks the race’s 10th anniversary, so you can bet the extravagance will be even more over the top! The half marathon takes place on Sunday morning (running through EPCOT and Magic Kingdom), the Disney Enchanted Princess 10k on Saturday morning (through EPCOT), and the Disney Princess Family 5k on Friday (through EPCOT).

For princesses looking to challenge themselves, the Disney Fairytale Challenge is for you! If you run both the half and the 10k within the pacing times, you’ll get the special Fairytale Challenge medal (in addition to your other cutie princess race medals!) Every race is filled with Disney characters cheering you on from the side lines, a magical Disney post-race party, and the chance to dress up like your favorite Disney princess and experience the magic of Disney unlike ever before. Gather some girlfriends and splurge on a Disney Resort for the weekend too. These high-end resort hotels will be exactly what you need to rest and recover between races, and make transportation to and from the race a breeze. The greatest part of all is that race entry fees benefit the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, so you can run and play for a good cause!

National Women’s Half Marathon and 8K

Where: Washington D.C.

On Sunday, April 29, be apart of the FIRST group of ladies to run what is bound to become a must-run all women’s race! The race routes for both the half marathon and 8K start in the city’s West Potomac Park and take runners through some of the most historic sites and and national monuments of the D.C. area – including the Jefferson Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial, the WWII Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.  If you are looking for a great race experience full of female power, beautiful scenery, and plenty of patriotism, head to D.C. this April!

SoCal Wine Country Women’s Half Marathon and 5K

Where: Temecula, California

Whether or not you consider yourself a wine connoisseur, a ladies weekend in Southern California sounds just about like one of the best way to spend a couple days– especially when some scenic running is involved! On Saturday, June 2,  you can get a unique tour through California wine country by foot as you run along challenging but gorgeous trails that climb up steep hills and then flatten out into broad expanses with breathtaking views. Make sure to bring a friend (or a few), because the only thing better than running with friends is enjoying the post race festivities, complete with food and of course, wine! Tastings are available until the bottles are gone for participants who are 21 and older, and finishers get a precious and unique wine stopper race medal.

Queen Bee Half Marathon and Four Miler

Where: Cincinnati, Ohio

Celebrate being a strong, healthy woman at the Queen Bee Half Marathon and Four Mile Race on Saturday, October 13 in Cincinnati. The race course takes runners through some of the oldest and most historic neighborhoods and districts of the city – meaning there’s plenty to look at while you crank out 13.1 miles. But not only that, the event has a music DJ and fun stops all along the race route that coordinate with the “Queen Bee” theme, so you’re sure to be kept entertained. End the race with lots of delicious treats, a swag bag, and even post-race massages. You deserve it ladies! Race fees support a number of local nonprofits and organizations that promote fitness, health, and well-being for women.