4/16/10 (Ypsilanti) – Sunshine, blue skies and nearly 250 ladies came together on this early spring day in May to take part in the 28^th annual For Women Only 5K Run/Walk on the campus of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital.

Truly a women’s race, men were on site to volunteer, observe and cheer as only the ladies were allowed to run and walk in the race. Erica Purdon of Ann Arbor expressed how “empowering” it felt to have all of the women together. She added that allowing men on the course would be ok, but then “it would not be a women’s only race!” Point well taken.

This year’s new USATF certified course was dominated by Laurel Park of Ann Arbor in 17:54. “I really liked the changes in the course,” Park acknowledged and continued, “This race is a great place where women can come together, have fun and not be intimidated.”

Grace Harrison also of Ann Arbor concurred with Park. “The course was better this year, evenly surfaced and well marshaled.”

Susan Young-Schmidt said that she “liked the flat route.” Her daughters, Maggie, age eight and Elizabeth, age ten also ran. While Maggie ran with her mom, “Elizabeth,” Susan explained, “left me in her dust!”

A charitable event to boot, a portion of each entry fee benefited one of five different charities, participant’s choice. Lisa Ramsey of Detroit who lost her grandmother to breast cancer expressed how pleased she was to make her donation benefit Susan G Komen for the Cure. Lisa added, “I really enjoyed meeting so many new people! I will definitely be back next year.”

Mothers, friends, sisters, daughters, relatives and aunts – Sherri Graham of Pinckney expressed it best, “It was just so great to be surrounded by all of the women...so much estrogen!”

Each year, the race honors one woman who has accomplished and contributed a great deal in our sport. Wife, mother, grandmother, runner, Carol Swaney, was this year’s honoree. “Long overdue,” is how race director, Julie Kerry, explained Swaney’s nomination.

Longer distance races have been Carol’s specialty. She is a proud finisher of The Western States Endurance Run, a 100-mile rugged trail race, the course of which climbs 2,550 feet in the first 4½ miles. To prepare for such a challenging event, Carol has been known to travel by train to Jackson for the sole purpose of running back to her home in Ann Arbor! Carol has also spent countless hours volunteering at races and mentoring and encouraging other runners.

While some recent health concerns have sidelined Swaney for the time being, her friend and Ann Arbor Track Club board and race committee member, Nancy Yvanauskas, expressed, “We’re all looking forward to her running with us again in the summer!”

Race director, Julie Kerry, made certain that her ladies were pampered properly upon completion of their race. Food was plentiful, and massage therapists, Slavka Jelinkova, NCTMB and Diane Finch were on hand to alleviate stressed or tense muscles.

After three years of dedicating her time and energy to its success, Kerry regretfully has decided that it is time to pass the torch. Those interested to step into Kerry’s shoes and continue the reign of this time honored event may contact, Ann Arbor Track Club President, Mitch Garner at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

For complete results and information on next year’s race, please visit http://www.gaultracemanagement.com and http://www.aatrackclub.org