Beginning runners gather for roses.

Saturday, June 14, 2014, precisely at 8:00 a.m., female runners and walkers of all ages and abilities will begin their 3.1-mile trek at this year’s Run for Roses 5K Women’s Distance Festival in Wheaton Regional Park. The annual event is presented by the Montgomery County Road Runners Club (MCRRC) and part of the 2014 Maryland RRCA Women’s Distance Festival Grand Prix Series.

Ladies, this is your day to relax, have some fun, and enjoy the scenic course as you run through the woods and along the lake enjoying nature’s beauty. As runners cross the finish line, each will be presented with a long-stem rose, hence the name of the event, and a finisher’s certificate. Massages, food and refreshments, and random awards await all at the post-race party. Awards will be presented to the top three overall, first master, top two in each age group, and the first three mother-daughter teams.

For kids 12 and younger, there will be free ¼ mile and ½ mile young runs at 7:45 a.m. Every kid will receive a ribbon and refreshments at the finish line. There is race-day registration only.

The event is supported by our returning sponsors: Fleet Feet Sports Gaithersburg, Power Bar, Schrier Physical Therapy, Hulala Fitness, Potomac Pizza, Bethesda Big Train Baseball, Trader Joe’s, Georgetown Sports Massage and Pretzel Crisps – the official snack at Run for Roses.

Registration is available online thru June 12. To access the online registration or to download an application, go to our Web site This year’s premium is a 2014 Roses Red Technical Shirt or a Canvas Bag for an additional fee. Packet pickup and race-day registration will begin at 7:00 a.m. at the children’s train station.

To get to Wheaton Regional Park, take I-495 to Georgia Avenue North. Go north on Georgia Ave to Shorefield Road (2.7 miles). Turn right, the park entrance is at the end of Shorefield Road.

The Run for Roses 5K encourages all females to come out and experience the camaraderie and support of a women’s-only race. Whether you are a beginner or competitive athlete, celebrate women’s running – an experience you will not forget.