The 38th Annual Women's Distance Festival 5K

🏃‍♀️ Event Overview

The WDF is more than just a test of endurance: it’s a powerful step toward empowering women and supporting those in need. With every stride, every mile, and every finish line crossed, we are contributing to the vital work of the Center for Safety & Change and their mission to support, shelter, and provide services to victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes.

🌟 Theme of the Year

This year’s theme CHASE THE CHANGE embodies the spirit of this event. It reminds us that change starts with each of us—through our actions, our unity, and our commitment to making the world a safer and more equitable place. Together, we’re not just chasing the finish line: we’re chasing a future where everyone can thrive.

👟 History of the Festival

The Women's Distance Festival was created by the Road Runners Club of America as a protest to a lack of competitive races for women both in the Olympics and nationally. It was believed as recently as the 1980 Olympics, that women could not compete at distances of greater than 1500 meters, which is less than 1 mile! In America, in July of 1980, the first Women's Distance Festivals were run opposite the Men's Marathon at the Moscow Olympics. The Rockland Road Runners picked up the Women's Distance Festival in 1988, and it has now grown to be the largest Women and Girls 5K in the tristate area!

🎉 Join Us

• Date & Time: July 13th at 8:00 AM.
• Location: Rockland Lake State Park, Congers, NY.
• Virtual Event: For those unable to participate in person, the virtual event will run from Sunday, July 13 through Sunday, July 20.
• Support: Join us as we come together to raise money to help the Center for Safety & Change in their mission to support, shelter, and provide services to victims and survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes.

✨ Get Involved

Lace up your sneakers, feel the energy, and let’s CHASE THE CHANGE!

🔗 More Information

For further details, please visit the official race page: Women's Distance Festival 5K.