In 30 days · Sun, Jul 12, 2026
Sunday, July 12th, 2026
Rockland Lake State Park, Congers NY
5K
About this race
The Women’s Distance Festival is more than just a race—it’s a celebration of strength, community, and the power of women supporting women. With every stride, every mile, and every finish line crossed, we are helping advance the vital work of the Center for Safety & Change, whose mission is to support, shelter, and provide services to victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes.
This year’s theme, TOGETHER WE RISE, captures the true spirit of the Women’s Distance Festival. It reminds us that when we come together—lifting each other up, standing side by side, and moving forward as a community—we create real and lasting change. Every participant, volunteer, and supporter plays a role in building a safer, stronger, and more equitable future for all.
The Women’s Distance Festival began as a powerful movement. Created by the Road Runners Club of America, the event originally served as a protest against the lack of long-distance racing opportunities for women. As recently as the 1980 Olympics, it was widely believed that women could not compete at distances greater than 1500 meters—less than one mile. In response, the first Women’s Distance Festivals were held in July 1980 across the United States, running parallel to the men’s marathon at the Moscow Olympics.
The Rockland Road Runners brought the Women’s Distance Festival to our community in 1988, and it has since grown into the largest Women and Girls 5K in the tri-state area.
Join us for the 38th Annual Women’s Distance Festival 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, July 12 at 8:00 AM at Rockland Lake State Park. For those who cannot attend in person, a virtual race option will be available from Sunday, July 12 through Sunday, July 19.
Come experience the energy, strength, and determination of hundreds of women and girls moving forward together. Whether you run, walk, volunteer, or cheer from the sidelines, you are part of something bigger.
Lace up your sneakers, show up with your community, and remember: when women support women, TOGETHER WE RISE.
Race-day essentials
Light, simple picks for a fast effort.


SHOKZ OpenRun Bone Conduction Open-Ear Bluetooth Sport Headphones, Running Workout Bundle with Waterproof Carrying Case & Sweat Headband, IP67 Sweat Resistant, 8H Playtime, Mic, Black
$129.95

Garmin Forerunner 55, GPS Running Watch with Daily Suggested Workouts, Up to 2 Weeks of Battery Life, Black - 010-02562-00
$159.99

goodr Going to Valhalla...Witness! Polarized Sunglasses for Men & Women, Medium Sized (OG), Dark Gray Translucent Frames with Chrome Mirrored Reflective Lenses, UV400 Protection, No Slip
$30.00

Nathan Peak Running Hydration Waist Pack Belt w/Speed Draw Flask Water Bottle, 18oz/535 ml Push/Pull Race Cap, Expandable Zippered Stretch Pocket
$44.00

GADIEMKENSD Quick Drying Running Hat Summer Cooling Baseball Cap UPF50+ Sports Sun Caps Breathable Mesh Lightweigh Dad Hats Unstructured for Golf Workout Hiking Gym Travel Camp Pink S/M 6 7/8-7 1/4
$13.99
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Run clubs near Congers to train with before race day.
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