Womens Run Adelaide Recap

Author: Jessica Stenson

On a fine Autumn morning in April, close to 200 women and girls came together for the very first Women’s Run Adelaide. From the moment I walked through SA Athletics Stadium’s entrance, I noticed a distinct buzz in the air. A line of vibrant women, girls, Mothers with their daughters, new faces and long-time members of the SA running community were filing past the registration table to collect their numbers. Among them was an old school friend and netball team mate of mine who I had not seen in over a decade. She was there with her young daughter, who was looking forward to running 1 kilometre for the first time. I felt a special sense of connection and appreciation that Running SA had created this opportunity for us all.

As event organisers assembled the finisher’s arch, runners mingled in the marquee area which featured a Physio Smart assessment and soft tissue therapy zone, Sportitude and Prepd hydration stands and a Deja Brew speciality coffee van. Event MC, Anna Liptak radiated positivity through the PA system as she conducted short interviews with participants. I enjoyed catching up with representatives from Running Mums Australia over a warm coffee before making my way over the starting area for a warm up. The high-spirited Physio Smart team led participants through a series of dynamic, functional and engaging exercises – some of which tickled my quads in a rewarding way. Running SA coordinator, Riley Cocks guided people towards the track, positioning runners on the inside and those who planned to walk in the outer lanes. With 1km, 3km and 5km distances on offer, women would be targeting anywhere between 2.5 to 12.5 laps of the new blue track.

There was a rush of energy but a strong sense of mutual respect as everyone departed the starting line to chase their respective goals. Izzi Batt-Doyle, Caitlin Adams and I ran beside the participants to provide encouragement and support throughout the run. I admired the expressions of joy, focus, strength and liberation. The three of us peeled off at different points to interact with finishers at the engagement zone. Here we were provided with a special opportunity to mingle with fellow South Australian runners from a variety of backgrounds and with a range of running goals. Riley had provided Caitlin, Izzi and I with personalised cards on which to write messages and the medal dais had been set up for some fun finish line photos. Everyone was handed a bright tote bag containing product samples and discount codes from the event partners - Eat for You, Glósóli sport, Pillar performance, Sportitude, Motum Movement, Prepd and Rundies. The generous and enthusiastic support of these event partners added great value to the overall experience.

Perhaps one of the most unique elements of Women’s Run Adelaide was the closing Q&A session, led by Anna Liptak. This was followed by the raffle draw. I was honoured to join Izzi and Caitlin on the panel and was impressed by the level of openness and depth that was reached in the discussions. Topics included strategies to maintain motivation, overcoming injury challenges, returning to running postpartum and performance considerations throughout the female menstrual cycle. This session highlighted the value of bringing women together in a safe environment to share the running experience and to offer strategies to support each other. I walked away feeling uplifted and excited about future opportunities to connect with the SA women’s running community. Thank you to everyone who supported this event and see you again soon : ).