The Atlanta Women's 5K is a hotly anticipated race in the Atlanta Track Club's racing series. A week after the successful Publix Half Marathon and Full Marathon in Centennial Park, Atlanta, the 5K race is seen as a chance to achieve a 5K goal for many that have trained all season for the longer races. It also serves as a proving ground for ATC's Atlanta Women's 5K training program that spans the winter months and introduces women to a way to run a first time or repeat 5K. This is a very popular women's only race that draws a huge racing crowd of women from the Atlanta Metro Area and beyond. It sells out quickly online every year. Lining up in the corrals I spied mothers running with daughters, friends running with friends, generations of women running with each other - grandmothers, mothers, daughters....little ones in the stroller division. This race is a celebration of women and running!

Swag....this is one of the best swag races if you love receiving swag...a running shirt, a beautiful medal, a great snack pack, and flowers at the finish often given out by WOMEN AND MEN volunteering at the race finish line. Women running this race are made to feel important as they cross the line. A wonderful feeling.

This race is hilly and runs in a different neighborhood every few years. This year it ran in the beautiful neighborhood area around Chastain Park. The course is challenging and worthy of a good run effort.

There are women who mentioned in race reviews that they want what regular coed races have at the the end of their finish lines...beer, music....but I love the simplicity of what is rewarded each women who crosses the Atlanta Women's 5K finish line...a sense of achievement and camaraderie among other women. A chance to be an example for girls, teens, and young women who will come back and run with them the next year.

If you are looking for a fun, fast and challenging race for your calendar next year - and you are of the female persuasion then the Atlanta Women's 5K is for you!!!