The 50th running of the Boston 10K for Women will fill Boston Common and the streets of Boston on Saturday, October 10. Ahead of the race, organizers are proud to share ten storylines leading into the historic event that will gather more than 7,500 registrants for a full morning of health and wellness programming. Registration for the event remains open at www.boston10kforwomen.com, and the race will start at 9:00 a.m. Here are ten storylines to follow:
Mass Appeal:
In what is annually one of the largest all-women’s sporting events in the world, 7,500 registrants are expected to compete in the Boston 10K for Women, hailing from more than 15 countries and 45 states. For finishers, a golden finisher medal awaits, in celebration of the events 50th running. This year’s race will be the next chapter in storied legacy of this pioneering event.
Seven Running Their 50th
Among the participants are seven trailblazers who have participated every single year. Lyn Licciardello, Joanne McCabe Morris, Paula Metivier, Sandy Miller, Kathy Sastavickas, Mary Tyler, and Francine Vidockler will attempt to cross the finish line for a 50th consecutive time, celebrating a half-century of commitment to the race. The athletes will be presented their bib numbers at ceremony on Thursday, October 8 at 3:30 p.m. at the Brooks Boston Store at 400 Newbury St. Media are welcomed to attend. The women will also be celebrated on race day.
Enlarged Prize Purse
Recognizing the talented field of elite competitors attracted to the race, the event’s prize money structure now expands to reward the top five runners. Last year, the race rewarded the top three runners with $10,000 for the first-place, $5,000 for second, and $3,000 for third. This year the event not only increases the prize for thesecond place to $7,000 and third place to $5,000 but adds $2,000 for fourth and $1,000 for fifth place. A full list of elite athletes will be released in the days ahead.
Two Waves for
Start Loading
To help accommodate the larger field size a new two-wave pre-start procedure will organize the start line for participants. Runners are assigned either a pink or blue bib number based on their estimated pace and will be directed to enter the start area in one of two locations. All runners will start at 9:00 a.m.
Charity Impact Grows
Increasing from nine to ten charities, this year’s Official Charity Program is the largest in event history. These charities include 261 Fearless Club New England, Black Girls Run!, Dignity Matters, Dream Big, Girls on the Run, Junior League of Boston, League of Women Voters of Massachusetts, Plain Jaine Foundation, Vanessa T. Marcotte Foundation, and Women’s Foundation of Massachusetts. Charities raise money via runners who fundraise on their behalf, and nearly $40,000 has already been raised.
Queen of the Rhodes
When Dusty Rhodes started this race in 1977, she was looking to legitimize women’s athletics and its place in the male-dominated sports pages. Through her leadership, commitment, and tireless pursuit of excellence in event production, she and her event planning team at Conventures have kept this race thriving ever since. Rhodes is the longest serving female road race director in the world, and will sound the starting horn on October 10 as part of her race management responsibilities.
Established in 1977 as the Bonne Bell Mini Marathon, the Boston 10K for Women is the longest-running all-women’s sporting event in New England and one of the most historic women’s road races in the United States. Organized annually by Conventures, Inc., the race welcomes thousands of participants each year to Boston’s scenic streets while celebrating women’s health, fitness, achievement, and community. More than 197,000 women have participated in the event since its inception. For more information, visit www.boston10kforwomen.com.
