4th Annual RUN LIKE A MOTHER® Race Expands from Ridgefield, CT to Chicago & Oregon
Stamford CT, March 15, 2011
Download the official press release
Popular Ridgefield, CT race expands race locations into select cities
Due to the overwhelming success of the Ridgefield, CT Mother’s Day 5K, the Run Like a Mother® Race has announced that it will be expanding into Naperville, Il. and Portland, Ore. this Spring for the annual Mother’s Day race. The race is a celebration of women and has grown from 400 female runners in 2008 to over 1000 in 2010.
Run Like a Mother (RLAM) is a 5K women’s-only race that was founded in 2008 by Ridgefield, Conn., resident Megan Searfoss. Megan created the Run Like A Mother race to give women throughout the community an opportunity to experience the thrill of running a race whether they are a novice or an expert. Searfoss, a certified personal trainer, has competed in 11 marathons and 6 Ironman races – yet only began running 15 years ago.
Naperville, IL and Portland, Ore, were chosen as the first expansion cities due to the amount of active females and mothers. Searfoss began her running career while living in Naperville, and has spent additional time running in Portland.
“I am so proud that what began over three years ago as group of moms taking time to chat and run together has grown into community of thousands of female runners,” says Megan Searfoss. “I am excited to expand the race this year to new cities, as well as to our online community of runners who support each other and inspire me every day.”
To support the race, Megan offers a 6 week training program. Once a week Megan and her volunteer trainers lead novice, beginner, intermediate and advanced training workouts at local high school tracks. The women also train during the week on their own. Some of the women have never run in their lives and at the end of the training program are able to complete the entire 5k run. There is also a 1 mile kid’s race preceding the 5K, so the children can cheer on their moms or run themselves.
“The sense of accomplishment the women feel along with the example they are able to set for their children is amazing,” says Megan. “What a great way to celebrate Mother’s Day.”
Run Like a Mother’s online community has also inspired a virtual race. For only $19.95, interested runners can create their own run with girlfriends. The fee includes the 6-week training program and an official Run Like a Mother® Race day t-shirt. It is the intention that virtual racers will get together on the Run Like a Mother website and Facebook page to encourage and inspire one another.
For more information on the Run Like A Mother Race or virtual run please visit www.runlikeamotherrace.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/runlikeamother. Proceeds from the registration fee will support local women and children’s charities.
About Run Like a Mother Race:
The mission of Run Like a Mother is to fuel a woman’s journey through health and wellness. Empower with education and training programs. Inspire with communities, events and races. Enable through programs and partnerships. Run Like a Mother® Isn’t Just a Race, It’s a Way of Life. RLAM is created by women, inspired by women. Its one day a year when children and husbands can stand on the sidelines and cheer on their mothers and wives – a true celebration of the strength of a woman. In 2011, RLAM will expand to include Naperville, Ill., and Portland, Ore., as well as include a virtual run for women across the country.