The Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women – A Celebration of Empowerment, Passion and Accomplishment
Start strong, finish stronger--celebrating 32 years and running strong, the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women is truly a testament to the power of women and a celebration of women’s health and fitness.

E-mail this page  Printer-friendly page Related info: > Event Website > Event Registration > Active Running

By Noreen Cohen
Posted Monday, 11 August, 2008

Welcome to the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, a Columbus Day tradition, where Olympic athletes, aspiring elites, seasoned veterans, and first timers run together amid a scenic Boston backdrop. Get ready to lace up on October 13, 2008 for this signature Boston event and see why it continues to be a memorable racing experience year after year for women runners of all ages and abilities. The Boston Common Parade Grounds at noon is the place and time to be as thousands of women runners will have the opportunity to revel in a race that honors and celebrates their dedication and commitment to living a healthy lifestyle.

From its humble beginnings in 1977 as the Bonnie Belle Mini Marathon to its present day status as the premiere all women’s race, the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women has a lot to cheer about. History, prize structure, depth of field, and a commitment to excellence are some of the contributing factors to the race’s success over three decades. It is no wonder that the race is consistently selected by USA Track and Field (USATF) as the USA National 10K Championship for women. In addition, the race is also part of the 2008 Women’s USA Running Circuit (USARC), a USA Track and Field road series featuring national championships. Results from all of the championship races are used in determining the standings on the circuit and who is eligible for prize money.

A Strong Start
The streets of Boston’s Back Bay and Cambridge will be closed to traffic and are the ideal setting for this exciting, fast and mostly flat race. Runners start on Beacon Street just below the Massachusetts State House. In order to ensure a smooth start, runners will seed themselves according to their pace. The Chrono Track timing system assures everyone her time will be precise as she crosses the finish line (net time begins when runners actually cross the starting line.)

As a participant in this event many times I can tell you it is impossible to stand at this starting line and not feel a surge of excitement, anticipation and camaraderie. This is really different. Look around, you are in good company! The paths that women have taken to get here may be different, but there is a definite “we are in it together” feeling. That is just one of the things that make this race so special, and the feeling of camaraderie so palpable. “Just look at this—today we are the story,” said one young woman, bouncing in anticipation of the start last year.

Classic Course
And they’re off by the thousands! The anticipation and high spirits of the starting line continue as runners turn right onto stylish Charles Street. From the end of Charles Street, runners head toward the Longfellow Bridge over the beloved Charles River into Cambridge. As runners head west on Memorial Drive, they hit the one mile mark while soaking in the scenic river view on their left with the famed halls of the MIT campus on their right. Many runners make the most of the fun and energizing tradition of shouting as they zip under the Massachusetts Avenue Bridge anticipating the two mile mark just ahead. What a sight as this multi-colored multitude streams across the bridge and along the Charles!

Runners set their sights on the Boston University Bridge as they continue to head west on Memorial Drive. What an amazing thrill it is to see the frontrunners that have already completed the turn-around at The Boston University Rotary, speeding their way down the eastbound lane of Memorial Drive. The sight of the elite field is certainly awe inspiring and it is guaranteed to be an exhilarating experience—a very personal experience you must gain for yourself.

Get ready for a hairpin turn at the MIT Sailing Pavilion, (the four mile mark is just after) as the athletes head back west toward Massachusetts Avenue and the Harvard Bridge.
“Once you make the turn you see thousands of women of all ages and abilities spread out for miles along the Charles River course—just awesome,” says 32-year participant Mary Tyler.

Cheers from the spectators and the sound of upbeat music as well as the frequently occurring breeze off the river, gives the pack enough kick to cross over the bridge to begin the tour Boston’s Back Bay.

The course turns east onto charming, tree-lined Commonwealth Avenue. Here runners pass the five mile mark. It is fitting, that it is here that the sense of accomplishment begins to gain a foothold in hearts of the throngs of runners. The last stretch of the race is the journey from Hereford Street to Arlington Street at the Public Garden. Then a short distance up Boylston Street and back to Charles Street, the finish line waits amid cheering spectators, families and friends cheering you on to your strongest ever 10K finish! Yes, we are in it together, and we did it together!

Finish Stronger
Three time race winner, Race Spokesperson, and 1984 Olympic Champion, Joan Benoit Samuelson points out that it is not unusual for this year’s spectators to become next year’s race participants – that is the power of this unique race in inspiring women to take an active role in their health and wellness by setting goals and meeting challenges without compromise. Joan certainly takes that message to heart as evidenced by her record setting performance last April in Boston at the Women’s Olympic Marathon Trials. She set an American record in the 50-54 age group with her 2:49:08 effort. She was also the only person participating who was also entered for the event’s inception in 1984.

Joan has won the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women three times, including breaking the course record with a performance of 31:39 in 1983, a mark that still stands as the second fastest time, just one second off the current course record. Joan still runs the race, and very well, speeding through a 6:02 per mile pace in 2006, then improving to a 5:56 pace last year for a 36:49 that easily won the 50-59 age group. “All the women in this race inspire me!” she said.

Joan’s combination of outstanding performances with staying power over the years continues to make her an uplifting inspiration for runners of all abilities. "Now that I'm further back in the pack I gain inspiration by both the faster elite runners and the slower runners who have turned to running and set finishing goals for themselves," she concluded.

Fantastic Field of Athletes
The Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women attracts a solid collection of elite and Olympic runners as well as international running stars each year. Where else but at the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women can you rub elbows with such a dazzling cast of runners?

Last year Deena Kastor, 2004 Olympic Bronze Medalist in the marathon and 2007 USA Women’s Marathon Champion, defeated a deep field of over 50 elite runners including two time champion Katie McGregor to win the race and the USATF Women’s 10K championship title with a time of 32:01.

You can expect yet another strong field at this year’s race that is guaranteed to thrill and inspire. Among the star studded names are Nicole Aish, Ann Alyanak, Heather Gibson, twins Tara and Kara Storage, Tera Moody, Maureen McCandless, Lindsey Mills, Rebecca Donahue, Casey Owens, Stephanie Rothstein, the indomitable Joan Samuelson, and many more. If you are looking for inspiration, you are sure to find it among these fantastic elites.

The Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women is also proud to have some former competitors who will be competing in the 2008 Summer Olympic Games in Beijing. Last year’s Champion at the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, Deena Kastor, will be competing in the Women’s Marathon; Kara Goucher, who finished second in the 2006 Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women, will be competing in both the 5,000 meter and 10,000 meter run; and Amy Yoder Begley, who has competed in the race numerous times and finished third in 2004, will be competing in the 10,000 meters in Beijing.

32 Year- Runners: Follow Them
A special group of eighteen women have made the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women an important part of their lives for 32 amazing years ever since the race’s inception in 1977. Each one of them is a marvel in her own right and collectively they are a tribute to the commitment to a healthy lifestyle that the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women celebrates. The bond that they share with one another is highlighted by the words they use to describe the race. Here are just a few: accomplishment, pride, self-fulfillment, joy, exhilaration, camaraderie and tradition.

“This was my first race in 1977—it was less intimidating for me to run in an all women’s race. It was a thrilling experience to run with a bunch of women who were encouraging each other to the finish,” stated 32-year participant Sandy Miller. And that is still true in 2008!

“Seeing mothers running with daughters, sisters and babies; also running with the same friends year after year—that is my favorite thing,” says Janet Spriggs, who has run them all. “It keeps me running throughout the year, knowing I want to run this race.” She continued.

Mary Tyler added, “This race always encourages women to run, and I like that tradition, the focus on women’s fitness.”

Although their reasons for running and the paths they have taken over the years may be different, their fierce loyalty to this race is one story that they all have in common. To learn more about each of these remarkable women, please check the website www.tuftshealthplan.com

Awards and Prizes
The race includes a total purse of $39,650 and awards at many levels will be presented. The overall winner will receive $3,700, with the first American getting $7,150 for capturing the National 10K Championship. The cash prizes for the National 10K Championship go ten deep, while the cash awards for the overall winners, masters and wheelchair go three deep. The top five USATF Association teams will also receive cash awards. Corporate teams are also recognized with awards.

Commitment to Support the American Heart Association
For the third year in a row, Tufts Health Plan will present a $10,000 cash grant to the American Heart Association as part of their five-year, $50,000 commitment to join the fight against heart disease and stroke. Both Tufts Health Plan and the American Heart Association have been instrumental in promoting fitness plans for women that include healthy diets, cardiovascular information and training, and daily exercise.

Marie Fitzherbert Award
Another Award that is unique to this race is the Marie Fitzherbert Award for Perseverance. Marie Fitzherbert ran the Tufts Health Plan 10K for Women for 27 consecutive years, never missing a race from 1977 to 2003; even while undergoing chemotherapy for lung cancer, she persevered to cross the finish line one more time. In honor of Marie’s determination and perseverance, this award singles out a runner each year with the same commitment to health, fitness, family, involvement in the community, and, most importantly, perseverance through adversity.

For Lisa Conrad of Fitchburg, Massachusetts, the winner of the award in 2007, the Tufts Health Plan 10K for women holds a special place, and she won’t miss it. It was her first 10K and her first major race after resuming her fitness running following brain surgery to remove a tumor. And she absolutely loved it.

“I was like a kid in a candy store with that race, and just couldn’t stop talking about it afterward,” she said following the thrill of participation in 2007. She met Joan Benoit Samuelsson, who helped her relax and enjoy the day. Joan told her, “Just relax and enjoy it—you are not going to win this race.” And that helped her keep things in perspective. And she enjoyed sharing the awesome first-time experience with thousands of women.

“This was a springboard for me—the motivation I needed to run the big races,” she enthused. She completed her first Falmouth Road Race on August 10, and previously completed two half marathons. “I won’t miss Tufts,” she said, “and I tell my friends that you have got to do this, share this experience.”

Please share your special story. If you feel that you may qualify for the Marie Fitzherbert award, email details of your personal journey to this race to thp10k@conventures.com by Friday, September 12 for consideration.

Event Activities
1K Fitness Walk for Kids: Kids join the fun and meet new friends! At 10:30, kids will have the opportunity to participate in a 1K Fitness Walk around the historic Boston Common led by Olympic Gold Medalist and Race Spokesperson, Joan Benoit Samuelson. There is no better way for children to be introduced to the many benefits of fitness than this! Kids will enjoy entertainment, face painting, and a healthy snack following the walk.

Health and Fitness Pavilion: It is all happening here starting at 9:00! Check out a variety of goods and services from leading brands in the health and fitness industry. The whole family will want to get in on the fun of sampling food and beverages and enjoying fitness related activities. Clothing and accessories can also be purchased here. Come join us before the race or after crossing the finish line.

There are many events and activities planned on race day so get there early! Don’t miss out on a terrific fun filled morning.

Boston Globe Pre-Race Stretch, Post Race Stretch: Listen to the music and get race-ready with a professionally led warm-up session at 10:50 a.m., courtesy of the Boston Globe. There will also be post-race stretches at 1:00 p.m.

Awards Ceremony: Once everyone has cooled down, individual and team awards will be presented at 2:00 p.m. on the Boston Common Parade Grounds.

Race Organizers
This terrific event is directed and managed by Conventures, Inc., New England’s largest special events agency focused on integrated event planning, public relations and marketing. For three decades, Conventures, Inc. has had experience in worldwide event management including athletic, maritime, social and educational events. Strategic planning, budgeting, marketing, promotion as well as site planning and preparation are all a part of their expertise.

Conventures manages several other popular races including the JP Morgan Chase Corporate Challenge, The Boston Aids Walk, and the Annual Marine Corps Honor Run. Please visit their website at www.conventures.com for more information.

About Tufts Health Plan
Since 1979, the Tufts Health Plan has been committed to providing a higher standard of health care coverage and improving the quality of care for every member. Tufts Health Plan, through their philosophy, their people, and their innovation, offers a local health plan with a national reputation for excellence. No one does more to keep you healthy. Learn how they have earned that distinction. Visit www.tuftshealthplan.com for information.

Start Strong Finish Stronger
Let’s Race! Get ready to have the time of your life this Columbus Day in this unique celebration of women’s health and fitness. Come join the fabulous festivities and family fun on the Boston Common. Experience for yourself why the thrill of this starting line is like no other. Feel the excitement that only this finish line can deliver, for this is the place where a commitment to healthy living deepens, where courage and confidence grow, camaraderie soars, where small steps lead to big things for thousands of women.

For registration information, visit the website at http://www.tuftshealthplan.com/tufts10K

Related info:
> Event Website

> Event Registration

> Active Running

 E-mail this page
 Printer-friendly page

 

 

Latest articles in USA: Massachusetts

> Joneswares Has New and Exciting Products--Wool Running and Active Apparel
Truly active wear with durability, longevity, and attractive colors and styles--It's "Green," it’s warm, and it is oh so comfortable! You must try this--wool is where its at for warmth, comfort, and protection. And they have expanded their outstanding product line!

> 21st Annual Feaster Five Road Races—As American as Thanksgiving and Apple Pie
The Feaster Five races provide a terrific opportunity for runners of all abilities—and walkers too—to participate in a holiday tradition. These races are for the entire clan, including those visiting from the far reaches of the country. Come to Andover, Massachusetts on Thanksgiving morning, November 27.
Also: > Event Website
Also: > Event Registration

> The 8th Annual Larry Robinson 10 Miler and 5K Race –A Distance and a Pace for Everyone
Scenic New England roads, terrific amenities and the opportunity to support cancer research make this well organized race one you won’t want to miss. This unique race event also includes a 5K race as well as the Alex Miliotis 5K Walk.
Also: > Event Website
Also: > Event Registration