Why the Every Woman’s Marathon Was All That I Hoped For

I’ve been training for this day for 18 weeks, or 126 days—but who’s counting? I’ve woken up early, before the sun, to run. I’ve sustained injuries (to my right ankle and right foot). And I’ve fallen while running. On my last long-distance run, I connected with the concrete. There is a scar on my left hand to prove it. But it all culminates in one day—and 26.2 miles.

In my case, it all comes down to one “race:” the Every Woman’s Marathon. And, being a mom and a seasoned runner, I can tell you that this was the race I’d been waiting for. Why? Because it was everything I wanted as a parent—and more.

This event had it all.  

All About the Every Woman’s Marathon

Designed by Team Milk and led by team ambassadors Kathrine Switzer, Des Linden, Alison Mariella Désir, Deena Kastor, and Danielle McLaughlin, the Every Woman’s Marathon was created to be accessible, empowering, and welcoming to women of all abilities.

More than 7,000 women (and moms!) registered for this inaugural event in Savannah, Georgia. This unique race—created by women, for women—redefined the marathon experience, for me and many others, simply by the nature of the event. Whether you were a first-time marathoner (of which there were over 40%!) or a returning runner, the Every Woman’s Marathon was full of support, encouragement, and heart.

“Many women are still looking for a safe, non-judgmental, fun, secure place to run. A place where there don’t feel too old, too fat, too slow,” Kathrine Switzer, an author, co-founder of 261 Fearless, and the first woman to officially complete the Boston Marathon tells Parents. “Here, they are going to come and do it in a friendly atmosphere.”

Of course, being a woman-centric marathon wasn’t enough. The team wanted to ensure it honored its core audience, offering clean porta-potties stocked with tampons, pads, liners, hair ties, and other feminine products.

Lactation stations were strategically placed along the route. Strollers were allowed on the course, and there was music and more to keep runners hyped throughout their 26.2-mile journey. The marathon also boasted a longer time limit than most races, giving opportunities to both runners and walkers.

There was even a pre-marathon wellness fair—with yoga, cooking classes, shakeout runs, and other activities. There was also a finish line festival, complete with dedicated recovery zones, food trucks, and a surprise concert by singer Natasha Bedingfield.

“It was important to us to include these things because we want to be taken seriously as women,” Switzer said. “Women are not small men. We have a lot of different needs and a lot of different wishes and desires, and it gives us the opportunity to be our full selves as women.”

Runners Find Their “Why”

As for why women chose to participate in the event, the marathoners I spoke with opted to run/walk the race for a variety of reasons. One mother said she was opting to run because she “could.” Another said she was doing the road race for her children.

I was participating in the event for a few reasons: to prove to myself I still had it in me. This was my fifth marathon but was my first after a two-year hiatus. I also wanted to show my children, 11 and 5, that you can do hard things. And one new mom, Erin Lyden, was running the race to honor her postpartum body.

“This will be my first race postpartum, and it is really special to me to be able to move my body and honor my body in this way,” Lyden, a four-time marathon runner said. “I want to prove to myself that I am equally as strong.”

And every runner who toed the start line on Saturday, November 16 did just that. Every runner proved their strength.

You see when it comes down to it, it isn’t about pace or distance, it is about the direction we’ve set. And every person who chose to register for the Every Woman’s Marathon chose a course that very few travel. A course that less than 1% of the United States population has attempted. It is a hard course. At times, it is thankless and unforgiving. But it is full of joy. Of encouragement. And of gratitude. And today, as a runner, a person, and a parent: I am thankful. My cup is full.  

It was so successful, that plans are in the works to hold a second Every Woman’s Marathon. Stay tuned for details!