Canada’s largest women’s 5K a success

Over 3,200 women crossed the finish line of the Sole Sisters women’s race in Burnside, N.S., this past weekend, making it the largest women’s 5K in Canada. The Sole Sisters is a celebration of women of every age and stage in their running life. According to race director and founder, Stacy Chestnutt, over 25 per cent of the women that participated had never run a race previously.

With more emphasis on feelings of empowerment than attachment to stats, the race is not timed and the course features high-five and hug stations, chocolate pit stops, a live DJ and cheering firemen. The after-party is designed to make every participant feel like a winner. The race was hugely successful, selling out 15 weeks prior to race day. Registration for the 2015 race weekend is now open.

The proceeds from Sole Sisters go towards supporting Girls Gone Gazelle, a free running group that supports the self-confidence and healthy lifestyle choices in young girls. It is through clubs like this that the women’s running movement will continue to grow.

The Sole Sisters women’s race seems to have found a niche in the running sphere as a celebration of the community rather than competitive side of running. With the success of the third annual race weekend, Sole Sisters looks set to become a staple of the women’s only race circuit.