Over the last ten years women have made the biggest contribution to the running boom. Numbers have grown phenomenally, especially in the 5km. More than 2.5 million will run/walk 3.1 miles in a staged event this year. Women dominate the top twenty 5km races. They include Idaho's Women's Fitness Celebration, Revlon Runs and 16 Race for the Cure events. As much as 70% of these fields are represent by women. Why are women drawn to these events?

Race organizers say that women are flocking to races so that they can surround themselves with people who support three key components, camaraderie, fitness and an opportunity to support a cause.

Women often find that 5km runs are an initiation into the sport. Some start out walking and move up to running. Others find the ease of getting involved in running soon addicts them to run more. It’s also one of the easiest ways of relieving stress from a busy day.

Interviews with several breast cancer survivors gave more clues to the increased participation. Annette Hunter, a prototype coordinator at Ford Motor Company, "just had to run" the Race for the Cure in Detroit after being diagnosed with the disease three years ago. She went to the race alone but met someone during her walk that encouraged her to join Gilda's Club, which is made up mostly of women that like to walk for a cause. It hasn't been easy. She has had nine surgeries and a double mastectomy to slow her up. It was a Ford TV ad that caught Annette's attention and interest to run the Race for the Cure. Now she will join 4,000 of her Ford employees at the event's new location next to Comerica Park.

Another long time runner, Ford vehicle line director Mary Ellen Heyde, gathers strength and support from many women that have been part of her life. Her sister had a twelve year battle with breast cancer. This makes her appreciate every day that she gets out for a run. Over the last twenty years, Mary Ellen has seen significant changes in women’s running. As the numbers have grown and the average age of women running has increased the competition has actually lessened. Women have less time but want to stay healthy both physically and mentally. This is why the 5km is an ideal distance. To prepare it's often a toss up between walking which takes less energy and running which takes less time.

Only seven years ago Ford sent just 800 people to the Race for the Cure and it now is the largest corporate team participating in the event. According to Mary Ellen, the events, which are held nationwide, are part of Ford's corporate citizenship strategy. Ford participates in over 100 running events in the U.S. and Canada because "running resonates with so many people". The Race for the Cure is part of Ford's Trustmark commercials and it has helped them with new recruits who see support of running and a health lifestyle as a company that they would want to work for.

Tip of the week: Sometimes you need the time to run alone but often it is easier to run with a friend or with a running club. They can provide support and keep you committed to staying in shape.

Race of the Week: Coming up on Saturday, April 28^th at 8:40am, Borgess Run for the Health of It 5km and _ Marathon in Kalamazoo. Contact: Debby Roberts at 616 345-1913

You can contact Doug Kurtis by email at [email protected]