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With women making up 61 percent of half-marathon finishers and Pensacola surging as a destination town for weekend vacationers, the Pensacola Sports Association envisioned an opportunity.

That vision will come to fruition Nov. 2 and Nov. 3 when the first Pensacola Women’s Half-Marathon will hit the streets of downtown. Organizers say that while distance running may be the event’s central focus, the weekend promises much more – and will showcase many of Pensacola’s finest features.

“One of the reasons we decided to hold the race on that particular weekend was to tie it into other local events, such as the Greater Gulf Coast Arts Festival and Foo Foo Fest,” said Selena Emerson, marketing and membership coordinator with the Pensacola Sports Association.

The race itself will be a running tour of Pensacola highlights.

The run will kick off overlooking Pensacola Bay at DeLuna Plaza Pier. Runners will take in the sights and sounds of the water as they progress down Main Street and Bayfront Parkway before passing under the iconic Graffiti Bridge.

Participants will race through historic East Hill before turning onto Bayou Boulevard and eventually running under the breathtaking 12th Avenue tree tunnel. The course will then take them down Cervantes Street and into the eclectic and historic Belmont Devilliers neighborhood before returning to Palafox Pier for the finish line.

And then it’s party time! Live bands, refreshments and “next-level swag” will await racers, who can compete in the half-marathon run or walk, 5K run or walk on Nov. 3 or the mile dash on Nov. 2.

Emerson hopes participants make a weekend of their trip to Pensacola.

“We’ve seen the idea of a girls’ weekend grow and evolve into something that’s no longer seen as a luxury, but as a necessity. Women are embracing the idea of investing in themselves and pouring from a cup that’s full rather than from one that’s empty. One of the best ways to do that is to have a weekend away to rejuvenate,” said Emerson.

Pensacola resident Molly Holmes is excited to add this half marathon to her list.

“I love the idea of participating in a half-marathon that supports the community, and with this being a first-year women focused event, it just feels like a great thing to be a part of,” said Holmes. “My goal for each half marathon is to give a little more to be able to pass the person in front of me. I want someone to see me in front of them and say, ‘because of that person, I didn’t give up.'”

In addition to being a fitness and friendship boost, the weekend will benefit a great cause. Proceeds will benefit Rally Foundation, which supports children’s cancer research. The event website offers runners options to raise additional funds for Rally or other preferred charities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Ronald McDonald House, Pensacola Sports Association and Special Olympics.

Pensacola Sports Association president Ray Palmer is excited to unveil this event to Pensacola.

“We’re designing this to be an experience, not just an everyday race,” said Palmer, adding that Rally’s ties to Pensacola make it an ideal charity partner. “We are proud to work with them to be able to give back and support the fight against children’s cancer.”

Want to Go?

What: Pensacola Women’s Half Marathon Weekend

When: Nov 2-3

Where: Downtown Pensacola

Cost: Half Marathon: $90; 5K: $45; Mile Dash: $20

More Information: pensacolawomenshalf.com and facebook.com/pensacolawomenshalf

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