Annapolis Striders Women's Distance Festival 5K & Run After The Women 5K

The Annapolis Striders Women’s Distance Festival is a women's only 5K race, with a companion Run After The Women 5K for men only held after the women's race.  Runners of all ages & abilities are welcome to participate!  This event is the fifth race in the Maryland RRCA Women’s Distance Festival Grand Prix Series, and it is also the graduation race for the Annapolis Striders’ 5K Beginning Runners Program.  The race is also being dedicated to Evan "E.T." Thomas (1941-2024), who gave countless hours as a coach to the Beginning Runners Program.

Schedule of Events

6:30 AM - Race day registration & packet pick-up begins
7:45 AM - Start of the Women’s Distance Festival 5K
Approx. 8:30 AM - Start of the Run After The Women 5K
Awards to follow conclusion of the men’s 5K

Registration

Online registration is available through Thursday, July 9th, 2026. Mail-in registration is also available; mailed entries must be postmarked no later than Wednesday, July 1st. Race day registration begins at 6:30 AM; please bring exact cash or check payable to “Annapolis Striders, Inc.”

Entry Fees

Early bird through May 8th: $22.50 online, $20.00 by mail (must be postmarked by Friday, May 1st)
May 9th through July 2nd: $27.50 online, $25.00 by mail (must be postmarked by Wednesday, July 1st)
July 3rd through July 9th: $27.50 online only
Race day: $35.00 cash or check made payable to “Annapolis Striders, Inc.”
No refunds or transfers.

Packet Pick-Up

Packet pick-up will take place on race morning beginning at 6:30 AM, in the West Annapolis Elementary School cafeteria on the Tucker Street side of the school.

Parking

Ample FREE on-street parking in the neighborhood surrounding West Annapolis Elementary.

Course

An open two-loop course through the Wardour neighborhood of West Annapolis on paved roads, with some shaded areas. Mostly flat, with a few hills, and one wooden foot bridge. Race begins on Annapolis Street beside West Annapolis Elementary School located at 505 Melvin Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401.

Here are the directions:
1. Start on the southwest side of West Annapolis Elementary School on Annapolis Street across from house 207
2. Turn left on Melvin Avenue and continue for five blocks.
3. Turn right on Old Crossing Lane and continue straight as it becomes Norwood Road.
4. Turn left onto Kent Road and cross wooden footbridge at the dead end.
** (Water stop at footbridge, 0.82 miles)
5. Turn left at end of footbridge onto Wardour Drive.
6. Bear right at traffic circle to continue on Wardour Drive.
** (1 mile mark is just beyond circle, at end of driveway for house 205.)
7. Bear left at triangular road island onto Westwood Road.
8. Turn left at end of Westwood onto Scott Drive.
9. Turn left on Claude Street.
10. Turn right onto Monterey Avenue and continue for two blocks.
11. Turn left onto Tolson Street to begin second loop and continue for two blocks.
** (Halfway point is midway down the first block, just beyond house 204.)
12. Turn left onto Giddings Avenue.
13. Turn right at end of Giddings onto Old Crossing Lane and continue straight as it becomes Norwood Road.
** (2 mile mark is just beyond driveway for house 209.)
14. Turn left onto Kent Road and cross wooden footbridge at the dead end.
** (Water stop at footbridge, 2.25 miles)
15. Turn left at end of footbridge onto Wardour Drive.
16. Bear right at traffic circle to continue on Wardour Drive.
17. Bear left at triangular road island onto Westwood Road.
18. Turn left at end of Westwood onto Scott Drive.
19. Turn left on Claude Street.
20. Turn right onto Monterey Avenue and continue for four blocks.
** (3 mile mark is about 15 yards before crossing Tucker Street.)
21. Turn left onto Annapolis Street.
22. Finish on the southwest side of West Annapolis Elementary where the race started.

Course Map

A detailed course map can be found here!

Aid Stations

Two water stops will be provided: One located at the foot bridge and one near the start/finish line.

Timing

Chip timing provided by Maryland Timing. Unofficial & official results will be posted on the Annapolis Striders and Maryland Timing web sites.

Race Rules

No headphones/earbuds, baby joggers or baby strollers, bicycles, or animals will be allowed. If you are not feeling well on race day, please stay home.

Awards

1st, 2nd, and 3rd overall awards for women’s and men’s races. Age group awards will go to the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finishers in following age groups: 9 & under, 10-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, 90 and over. There will also be awards for the 1st, 2nd & 3rd place mother/daughter team. Please stay for the post-race award ceremony; awards will not be mailed.

Race Premium

TBD and is guaranteed to the first 150 race applicants!

Post Race

There will be post-race food.  More info to come!

Volunteer

If you are interested in being a volunteer and receiving credit for this event, please contact the race director at WDF5K@annapolisstriders.org. We have many volunteer positions available!