Running moms
A mom in search of running partners has established a running camp for moms in Virginia. The 2007 Female Runner of the Year at Chicago Area Runners Association was a mom who juggled training with child care duties.
Twenty years ago, men accounted for nearly 3/4 of all race participants. Today, women make up nearly 50% of the field in running events. Women often outnumber men in 5k events and frequently outnumber men in the 30 and under age groups in longer distance races.
For six consecutive years, the largest age group at the Shamrock Shuffle 8k, in Chicago IL, has been female 25-29.
Appealing to women - and to moms - can be a very successful marketing strategy.
Just be careful if you are thinking of inviting stroller users, too. Direct runners with baby strollers to start behind all of the runners and to stay there. Moms will understand the safety issue involved. Dads, though, may need a bit more persuasion.