NYRR Mini 10K Recap, June 12, 2010

Baby bumps everywhere marked the 39th running of the NYRR Mini 10K! The Flyers had an outstanding representation of women with 71 ladies running the 10K race this past Saturday. This original women-only road race marked a revolution in women’s running by getting sponsors for the first time in a women-only field. The legendary Kathrine Switzer teamed up with the NYRR to start this race back in 1972 to get women to run. Today over 5,000 women finished the race in what has become a tradition in women’s running.

This 2010 race was buzzing with excitement. The Mini 10K normally gets elite women runners but this year there were 11 Olympians and two very special guests joining the field of women. The race started with Mary Wittenberg introducing two beloved elite athletes in the sport of running, Paula Radcliffe and Kara Goucher, to the crowd of eager women. Paula and Kara, both about five months pregnant, gave heartfelt opening speeches that inspired us all to have a good race. Paula ran the race with Mary at a leisurely pace (for her anyway!) and was joined by Kara 50 meters before the finish with Paula’s 3-year old daughter to cross the finish line together. World champion and silver medalist, Linet Masai of Kenya won the race in 30:48, the fourth fastest in the event’s history. Some lucky Flyers captured key photo ops with these running celebs – Lara K. and Angela G. posed with Kara Goucher for a great shot at the finish!

Many Flyer ladies had great races on a good day for running – though humidity was high with several misting stations along the course providing some relief. The first Flyer finisher was Vicky T. who had a strong race to come in at 40:02 and seventh place in her age group (35-39). Christine M. came in second for the Flyer women in 42:09 and an impressive third place in the 45-49 age group. Jessica R. was in third place for the Flyer ladies at 43:02, followed by Andrea K. in 43:43 at fourth in the 50-54 age group, with Liz O. at a fifth place team finish in 44:24. The Flyer women had a strong showing in all divisions with a ninth place Open finish, fourth place for the Masters Women, second place in the Veterans division and the Senior Veterans at a fifth place finish. Nice work ladies!!

Coming through the finish line and grabbing much needed water and snacks, the Flyer ladies convened to recap our races, still sweating from the humidity and posing for pictures with our carnations. Many of us have run this race several times, with Anne H. commenting this was her 25th running of the Mini – wow, give that girl two carnations! Others came in from outside of the city, including Gabi D., who had a great finish, and Donna R., who walked part of the course while cheering us on and taking photos. Donna, along with Paula and Kara, was showing off her baby bump at seven months pregnant and looking fabulous!

Thanks to all the Flyer ladies for coming out and making this a special day for the team and to the Flyer men for providing much-needed support and cheers along the course! The Mini 10K is and will always be one of my favorite races in that it reflects the true bonding of women through running – uniting us all, apart from where we may each be in our lives. - Deb M., Flyers Masters Women's Team Captain