The Baltimore Women’s Classic is the second oldest women-only race in the country. This 5K had been on my radar for awhile (see my Maryland Race Bucket List here). I was excited that I could fit it into my schedule this year and saw it coincided with their 40th Anniversary – fun! My mom also signed up for the race, it was her first 5K! Funny since she has walked several half marathons.
Packet Pickup
The BWC is managed by Charm City Run. They offered two packet pickup options: in-store and race day. You all know which one I chose! My mom and I left for Baltimore around 5:45AM and arrived at 6:30AM. The 5K started at 8:00AM, but we wanted enough time to find parking and pickup our bibs. My friends from college use to live in the Federal Hill neighborhood, so I was pretty familiar with the parking situation there. We found plenty of (free) parking right next to the American Visionary Art Museum – which was covered with pretty mosaics! Note to self: I should visit one day.
We walked to Joseph H. Rash Memorial Park for packet pickup.
Passed by the Happy Birthday BWC sign at the pavilion.
It wasn’t crowded at all so I took advantage of the clean (for now) and plentiful porta-potties. There were tables with hand sanitizer, sunscreen, wipes and feminine products – a very nice touch.
We were emailed our bib numbers in advance and were given a tote bag (not pictured – nice for groceries), cotton shirt (on the softer side), and bib. Bag check was around the corner so we dropped off our shirt and tote instead of walking to the car. I am glad we arrived when we did, it got more crowded as we approached the start time.
The temperature was pretty mild so my mom and I took pictures in front of the Inner Harbor.
I warmed up about a 1/2 mile and stretched.
While my mom and I were taking pictures my friend and sophomore year roommate Alyssa texted me, “where are you?” I had sent Alyssa the race registration link a few months back, but never confirmed if she signed up. What a nice surprise! You may remember her from my 2013 Annapolis Half Marathon race recap here.
Race Goals (“A” least probable and “C” most probable)
My best 5K time this year occurred in March at the Rock ‘n’ Roll 5K with a time of 32:44 or 10:33 min/mile . The last 5K I raced was in April, the Crystal City Friday 5K – Race #2 . There I finished with a time of 32:59 or 10:36 min/mile. Based on those times (which I used to form my goals) and a huge absence of speedwork, I knew aiming for a PR (30:57) would be unrealistic.
- A – Break 31:04 (10:00 min/mile)
- B – Break 32:37 (10:30 min/mile)
- C – Break 34:10 (11:00 min/mile)
I also wanted to run consistent splits. During the Crystal City Friday 5K series I went out too fast for the first 2 miles and slowed down for the last mile (for both races).
Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K
Prior to the race, organizers led warm up exercises. Here is a view from the pavilion. I didn’t partake as I wanted to use the porta-potties one last time (lesson learned from St. Michaels).
We hopped over a little wall barrier for the start. There were no corrals, but there were pace signs along the way for self seeding.
Ran into Sarah, again! I saw her earlier in the morning and she gave me some course intel (small hill at the beginning).
Before the race started I was torn – should I run my own race? Try to stick with Alyssa (who is faster than I am)? Then I thought, this is silly we should use this time to catch up! I asked Alyssa if this plan was okay and she said “yes”.
The 5K starts along Key Highway and loops around the Federal Hill neighborhood, before returning to Key Highway and finishing at Rash Field. I took a picture before everyone arrived. The start was pretty much underneath the traffic light. It was pretty crowded at the start.
We ran past the American Visionary Art Museum (on the right) before climbing the small hill to Fed Hill (this is when runners started to spread out).
I wish I took some pictures while we were there! I’ve never run in this neighborhood before despite visiting it several times during my college and post-college years. Fun fact: Did you know Jenna Bush and her husband use to live there?
- Mile 1: 10:50 chatting away…is that the hill? okay no more talking until the top
- Mile 2: 10:33 the neighborhood is so cute! so much fun catching up
- Mile 3: 10:41 okay its hot and sunny, should have brought a visor
After exiting Fed Hill we followed Key Highway again before making a left onto the promenade. It was beautiful running along the Harbor. As we passed Mile 3, we both agreed to sprint to the finish….and sprint we did! We ran an 8:37 pace for that little nubbin .1 of a mile. Our final time was 33:12 or 10:43 min/mile. I was very happy with that time since I was able to comfortably chat with Alyssa the whole race (well except for the mini incline) and gave me a bit of a confidence boost. I thought… I could definitely go faster. Splits were consistent and I met my “C” goal.
Once we crossed the finish line we were given a medal, rose, water and directed to the finishers village. There were shops set up there and the best part…..watermelon!! Alyssa and I grabbed some food and our bags and went to the promenade area for photos. My mom finished with a time of 40:25 or 13:02 min/mile.
Post race picture with Alyssa. After not seeing her for about 6 months, I’ve seen Alyssa twice since the race.
Caught up with Mar! Alyssa and my mom learned that we love to talk about….running!
Group picture!
Final Thoughts
- I always appreciate multiple packet pickup locations + same day packet pickup.
- Easy to park. The race also advertised Parking Panda, which allows you to reserve/pay for a parking space at participating garages.
- Great race for beginners – runners or walkers! Stroller friendly as well.
- Pretty nice swag for a 5K! Female cut shirt as well.
- The race introduced finisher medals a couple years ago and have continued with it ever since.
- Beautiful location – the Inner Harbor is so nice plus it’s close to hotels, restaurants, and shops.
- There was a Kid’s Fun Run.
- Benefits Cancerve “Cancerve (formerly “Baltimore Women’s Classic, Inc” ) which provides support to female cancer patients and their families at their local hospital partners across the State of Maryland.
- Great course – pretty flat and awesome views of Fed Hill and the Inner Harbor.
Overall I had a great running experience. I would definitely participate in this race again and hopefully make it a yearly tradition.
Have you ever run in a female only or female-centric race?
Do you remember your first 5K?
Pam and Christine
July 24, 2015Looks like you had a blast at the race with your Mom, Sarah, Alyssa and Mar. It is always so much fun to run a race with so many friends around. Congrats on meeting your C goal too!
Pam and Christine recently posted…Why I did not sign up for Princess 2016
Run Jenny Run
July 27, 2015It was definitely a fun one and well put together.
Amy Lauren
July 24, 2015Congratulations to your mom on her first 5K :). And to you for running it as well. Baltimore looks like a really beautiful place.
I’ve never done a women’s only race. We don’t have any here in Charleston, and there’s one in Myrtle Beach (Divas) but I don’t really like MB. I think having sanitizer and wipes near the potties was a great idea and every race needs to do that! Plus that is an awesome finishers medal (another thing every race should do, imho).
Amy Lauren recently posted…Goodbye Dinners and Saying See You Later
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Thanks Amy! Baltimore is a beautiful place to run and I am sad I don’t go up there as often as I could (although I have two fall races in Baltimore yay). There is a Divas race here.. .but it doesn’t wow me hhaha… tiaras and boas aren’t my thing I suppose hehe.
Chaitali
July 24, 2015Sounds like a great race! The medal is really pretty. I haven’t done a women centered race yet but I have a couple on my list I want to try.
Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – favorite summertime drinks
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Maybe next year…hint hint hehe 🙂 Last year the medal was a Black Eyed Susan (MD State Flower).
Elizabeth
July 24, 2015Great race and looks like you had nice weather! I ran my last 5k with a friend and it was really fun. I’m looking into my first women-only race in September (a half in Indianapolis). Should be interesting! 🙂
Elizabeth recently posted…July: Life Currently…
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015It definitely makes the race (especially a 5K) go by quickly! Good luck with the training 🙂
Mindy @ Road Runner Girl
July 24, 2015What a fun race! I love that your mom ran it! And how fun to meet up with Alyssa and catch up while running! Congrats girl!
Mindy @ Road Runner Girl recently posted…Fitness Friday…July 24th Edition!
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Thanks, Mindy! It was a fun day.
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races
July 24, 2015So fun to do it with your mom! I need to convince my mom to join me during a race! I’ve never done a women’s only race, but I would love to try.
Victoria at Ice Packs + Races recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Summer Drinks
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015The 5K was great for first timers and you could feel their excitement. Hope you get to run with your mom one day.
Nathasha
July 24, 2015Aww congrats to your mom for running her first race! Looks like it was a great event (love that they gave out tote bags and roses). Congrats on making your C goal at a comfortable/talking pace! I’ve never done any women only races. Maybe I’ll add this one to the list! 🙂
Nathasha recently posted…10/50 – Illinois: Rock n Roll Chicago Half Marathon
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Yes! I’ll be there next year (haha I say that for every race… but I think this one for sure).
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils
July 24, 2015Congrats! That was a really great time for running it leisurely with your friend. I’ve been to the Visionary Art Museum and loved it. Sounds like overall a great race. Was the whole course crowded. Looks like a lot of participants!
Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Fit Review: Lululemon Wee Are From Space Silver Spoon Special Edition Wunder Under Crops
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015That is good to know you loved the VAM. The course was crowded in the beginning (which is typical..people don’t know their paces), but it spread out once we approached the hill. The next time it was a bit crowded was when we approached the end on the promenade… (not a typical sidewalk, but not a street). I just had to do a little weaving in that area.
HoHo Runs
July 24, 2015Congratulations on a great race. That’s a very nice medal for a 5k. Wow. Your mom walks FAST! I have run in two women’s half marathons…Nashville Womens and Divas in Peachtree City. I do remember my first 5k. It was a Jingle Bell race and I thought it was the hardest thing ever and really didn’t like it at all. LOL.
HoHo Runs recently posted…YOU Inspire ME
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Thank you! Haha she is a speedy walker. I would not be able to keep up with her if I walked. Nashville Womens sounds like it would be a fun race! I’m still searching for my TN race.
Coco
July 24, 2015I love watermelon at the finish of a summer race! So cool that you saw your friend and were able to run together – and congrats to your mom!
Coco recently posted…Favorite Beverages Summertime Or Anytime
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015It was nice! I thought of you and LAH when I saw the watermelon. It is always nice to catch up with friends. Glad to see running pics online this past week!
brittney @ corral b
July 24, 2015nice job on hitting your C goal! the neighborhood you got to run through looks so nice! i’ve never done an all female race, but i would love to do princess at disneyworld (not female only, but definitely female centric).
brittney @ corral b recently posted…pure barre class etiquette: five people you don’t want to be
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Thanks Brittney! Hope you get to visit Baltimore while you are in the area. If you have a car its about an hour drive, but they also have Marc Train service for $5 each way (I think) during the weekend. My friend is trying to convince me to do Princess one day – I am undecided hehe.
Faith @ Run the Day
July 25, 2015Fun race recap! I love seeing friends at races and it sounds like you’re one friend was a great buddy to run with!
Faith @ Run the Day recently posted…Catch Up Post!
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Alyssa was a good buddy to run with – very nice and easy going! Thanks!
Mar @ Mar on the Run
July 25, 2015free parking, whaaaat?! I missed that memo! SO glad to see you there and happy you and your mom liked the race. I will definitely be back too 🙂
Mar @ Mar on the Run recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Summer Drinks!
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Yes! Next year park by the Art Museum – tons of space. Or there is Digital Harbor HS in Fells.
Jill
July 26, 2015Ahhh sad I missed it this year! BWC is my favorite 5k! I love that your momma did it with you! The cool towel at the finish line is prob my fave part :). Great finish time!
Jill recently posted…Family Times are the Best Times
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Aww – sorry you had to miss it. I’ll be running the Baltimore 6 Miler and Charles 12 in September. I forgot about the towel – made a note on my final thoughts with that. Thanks!
Tracy
July 26, 2015What a great race! We actually have a lack of 5ks here in the summer months which sucks because that’s about the only distance race I want to run this time of year. I’ve never done a Womens only event but I think it would be so fun to to do! It’s awesome that you got to meet up with so many great ladies, and how adorable are you and your mom?!
Tracy recently posted…Tidewater Triathlon Race Recap
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Thanks, Tracy! Ahh too bad there is a lack of 5Ks . You would think there would be more b/c it is so hot and people wouldn’t want to run the longer distances.
Kelli
July 26, 2015Nice work! I love that you have A, B and C goals for each race. Really helps keep things in perspective. Congrats on a well executed race.
Kelli recently posted…Skate Parks, MTB, TT State Championships
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Kelli – thank you! It definitely does serve as motivation during the race when I am feeling tired and know I need to kick it a notch to reach one goal or bump to another.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero
July 26, 2015Great job running nice consistent splits.
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Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Thanks! No side stiches which have been good.
Sharon
July 27, 2015Looks like a great race! Way to sprint to the finish! And congrats to your mom for finishing her first 5K!! 🙂
Sharon recently posted…Brooklyn RnR Half Marathon Training Week 2 & Weekend Update 7/20-7/26
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Thanks Sharon! I hadn’t sprinted like that in awhile haha. I was winded for sure.
Andrea
July 28, 2015I live in Federal Hill. If you see thousands of women running by your house you feel lazy if you don’t run it 🙂 Congrats on meeting goal C! It is crowded out there and hard to start out with all those amazing ladies surrounding you.
Andrea recently posted…73 Miles of RAGBRAI- Cedar Falls to Hiawatha
Run Jenny Run
July 28, 2015Haha so true! I’ll be back in Baltimore for the 6 Miler and Charles 12 – very excited about both! Glad to connect with another local blogger!
Sun
July 29, 2015What a cute race t-shirt! It actually looks like one that I might wear outside of a race atmosphere 🙂
How wonderful you were able to catch up with a friend while also doing the race and hitting your C goal! Definitely makes the race more fun and it sounds like you’re in great shape to PR this year.
I’ve never done an all-women’s race but it sounds like fun. Especially if they put out the extra wipes, hand sanitizer, etc. by the portapotties and have shopping at the finish line!
Sun recently posted…On The Upswing!
Run Jenny Run
August 4, 2015I agree, it was a nice shirt. Now that everyone gives out tech tees…I don’t mind a cotton shirt every once in awhile. I’m not attracted to all womens races (I can do without boas ahah), but this was a particularly nice one and beginner friendly. I would love to PR in the shorter distances – maybe in the books end of the year or next year 🙂
EB @ Running on E
July 30, 2015This sounds like a great event. It’s awesome that you go to races with your mom.
I’ve only done one women’s race and I really liked it. They are great to do with friends.
EB @ Running on E recently posted…Snakebite Training Recap Week #11
Run Jenny Run
August 4, 2015It was a nice event. My mom said “I am having a record year of races” haha 🙂 Will be nice if I get some more of my college friends for the 5K next year.