calendar_today 12 Jul, 2026 – 19 Jul, 2026
directions_run Running
language Official Website
sell $35.00
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.
Jul 12, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
07:00
$35.00
Jul 12, 2026
Distance — Kids Fun Run
Type — Running
07:30
$0.00
Jul 12, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
08:00
$35.00
Jul 12, 2026
Distance — 5K Walk
Type — Running
08:00
$35.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for July in Congers.
Learn more about the host city, Congers.
Congers is a suburban hamlet and census-designated place in the town of Clarkstown, Rockland County, New York, United States. It is located north of Valley Cottage, east of New City, across Lake DeForest, south of Haverstraw, and west of the Hudson River. It lies 19 miles (31 km) north of New York City's Bronx boundary. As of the 2020 census, the population was 8,532.
Read more launchRead what other athletes have to say about their experience at the The 39th Annual Women's Distance Festival 5K.
Be the first to share your experience with the community!
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Valley Cottage, New York, US
calendar_today Jun 20, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Aug 23, 2026
10K, 5K, and 1-Mile Kids Fun Run along the historic Hudson River. Proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund of the West Poi…
Read more
Jun 28, 2026
The 30th Annual Nassau Bicycle Challenge! Choose a 25 or 35 mile option. Both options offer well marked roads along the…
Read more
Jun 28, 2026
Run the "Rocket", a course that is expertly designed to take advantage of the best that this incredible, historic park …
Read more
Sep 19, 2026
Join us on September 19th to run a half marathon, 10k, or 5k on an unforgettable tree lined course with vistas of the c…
Read more