Events
Kids Fun Run
5K Virtual Run/Walk
Description
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 Schedule
6:30am Check-In
7:20am National Anthem & Announcement
7:30am Kids Run
7:40am Warm-Up
7:50am Walk out to the starting shoot
8:00am Race Start
Awards Ceremony to follow
Awards
- Taking down Donna Combs course record of 16:03 $250
- 1st Place Overall- bracelet
- Top 3 Runners Overall in Female and Non-Binary Categories
- Master Top 3 (Over 40)
- Top 3 Runners in 5 year increments, starting at ages 14-19
- Top Team of 5+ (Based on the 3 fastest runners on each team)
- Top Mother-Daughter
- Top Sister-Sister
- Top Grandmother-Granddaughter
- Top Partner-Partner
- Top Family
- Team Spirit Award (Based on team size + social media engagement)
Race Shirt
STAY TUNED FOR THE REVEAL OF OUR 2026 RACE SHIRT!
Packet Pickup
Stay tuned for this year's packet pick-up location details.
Pick-up times will be:
Friday, July 10 3-7pm
Saturday, July 11 9am-12pm
Packet pick-up will also be available on race day at Rockland Lake:
Sunday, July 12 6:30-7:30am
The WDF is proud to partner with Suffern Rotary's Period Product Initiative to provide period products to women in need in our community. Did you know: a) Period Products are not covered by SANP or any other assistance program, b) All females who menstruate require period products to fully participate in daily life. With your help, we can make these products available to females served at the Community Food Pantry in Suffern, NY. Shop this wishlist to have items mailed directly to the Food Pantry or bring period products to packet pick up or on race day.
Center for Safety & Change
The Center for Safety & Change's mission is to provide necessary services, support and shelter to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking and other crimes. Click the link directly above to find out more about the Center.
Donate to Help the Center for Safety & Change
Donate to support the Center for Safety & Change's vision of world in which all people are free from oppression and violence and experience respect, dignity, equity, and safety in every aspect of their lives.
Become a Sponsor
Become a sponsor of the 2026 WDF! Click here to view SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES. All submissions must be received by June 1, 2026. We are so grateful for your support!
Place
Congers, NY US 10920
Kids Fun Run
All children ages 3-11 are welcome to participate in our Kids Fun Run! All kids will receive a participation medal. Please be sure to register your child(ren).
Virtual Race Option
For those unable to attend the in-person event, a virtual race option is available. Run anytime, anywhere between July 12 and July 19 to support this incredible cause.
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
Directions
Like this page and invite your friends on Facebook.
Race Participant Survey
Please complete the following survey to help us better understand your race experience.
