10,000 Women Are Expected to Lace Up on Sunday, April 30, in New York’s Central Park for One of the Largest Women’s-Only Half-Marathons in the Country
The Event’s Second-Annual Women Run the World(TM) Relay & Mentorship Program Will Honor 13 Notable Female Leaders
NEW YORK, N.Y., (December 7, 2016) - SHAPE today announced that registration is now open for the 14th Annual SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon, one of the largest women’s-only half-marathons in the country. The 2017 race will be held on Sunday, April 30, in New York’s Central Park.
Hosted in partnership with the renowned New York Road Runners (NYRR), the 13.1-mile race is open to women runners and walkers of all ages. Participants can register online at NYRR.org. To enhance the race-day experience, the size of the event is capped at 10,000 runners, so participants are encouraged to register early.
"This race is unique because it celebrates and champions women of all ages, sizes and abilities, whether it’s your first time completing a half-marathon or you’re a veteran runner," said Elizabeth Goodman Artis, editor-in-chief of SHAPE. "It’s always inspiring to watch 10,000 women from around the world take over Central Park and support each other across the finish line."
"We are looking forward to the 14th running of the SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon," said Sarah Cummins, head of business development and strategic partnerships for New York Road Runners. "Our long standing partnership with SHAPE has allowed us to produce a special and unique event that draws thousands of dedicated athletes together, showcasing the power of women through running. This is a must-do race each spring and we look forward to continuing the tradition next April with SHAPE."
For the second year, the race will pay tribute to its Women Run the World(TM) theme by hosting the Women Run the World(TM) Relay & Mentorship Program, which honors female leaders across multiple industries, and highlights the importance of supporting, inspiring and empowering the next generation of women.
2016 honorees included singer and songwriter Sara Bareilles, actress Danielle Brooks, author and host of Bravo’s Top Chef Padma Lakshmi, WNBA President Lisa Borders, and Dell Entrepreneur-in-Residence Elizabeth Gore.
Honorees will once again be paired up with a mentee from the NYRR Run for the Future program, which trains New York City high school girls to run their first 5K race, build and strengthen self-confidence, and earn a scholarship toward college. Each pair will run or walk a one-mile leg of the course as part of the relay team. For the mentorship element of the program, honorees will invite their mentees to spend a day with them at the office or participate in a Skype session.
"We are thrilled to incorporate our NYRR Run for the Future program into the SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon as an opportunity for our youth runners to participate in a positive and empowering running experience," said Michael Rodgers, vice president of development and philanthropy for New York Road Runners. "It is our mission to help and inspire people through running and the SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon will provide a fun, interactive and memorable day for all of the young women who are a part of this program."
On race day, supporters and spectators are invited to cheer on runners along the course in Central Park, and visit the Race Day Festival at Naumburg Bandshell to enjoy live music, free samples, raffle prizes, fun activities and more. There will also be an awards ceremony following the race to celebrate the runners and Women Run the World(TM) honorees.
Bloomingdale’s serves as the Retail Partner of the SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon, hosting a Ladies’ Night event to kick-start training at the flagship 59th Street store in Manhattan on Jan. 19, and a Yoga for Runners class prior to race day. For more information, visit SHAPEHalf.com.
CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that empowers women and girls around the globe, serves as the Official Charity Partner of the SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon. SHAPE invites all half-marathon participants to donate to CARE, with proceeds going to support CARE’s work to help women and their families worldwide overcome injustice and poverty, respond to emergencies, and confront hunger and climate change.
AdvoCare serves as the Product Sponsor.
For event updates, inspiration, expert training tips and more, join the conversation on social media through the hashtag #WomenRunTheWorld, and by following:
Social Media:
@SHAPEHalf on Twitter
@SHAPEHalf on Instagram
SHAPE Half on Facebook
SHAPE Half on Pinterest
To register for the 2017 SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon, visit NYRR.org. For race details and additional information, please visit SHAPEHalf.com.
ABOUT SHAPE
Launched in 1981, SHAPE helps women achieve the best versions of themselves while understanding that healthy living is more than an endgame—it’s a source of personal joy and lasting reward. SHAPE magazine is published 10 times a year with a rate base of 2.5 million and an audience of nearly six million, reaching women across all platforms, including the 10.4 million users on Shape.com and Fitnessmagazine.com, and through award-winning consumer events and innovative brand extensions.
Visit us online at: SHAPE.com | Facebook | Twitter: @Shape_Magazine | Instagram: @Shape | Snapchat: @Shape_Magazine
Know someone else who's interested in running and triathlon?
