The Frederick Women's Distance Festival takes place August 1, 2026, in Frederick, Maryland, at Frederick Community College Student Center. The event offers a 1K and 5K running options, with entry fees ranging from $15 to $45 depending on registration timing and distance selected. Races begin at 7:30 AM. If you're unable to attend in person, a virtual participation option is available, allowing you to complete your chosen distance on your own schedule. This women-focused event provides a straightforward racing opportunity for runners of varying abilities, from those tackling the shorter 1K distance to those aiming for the 5K. Register early for the best pricing.
From the Race Organizer
Join us for the 37th annual Frederick Women's Distance Festival! The Frederick Steeplechasers are bringing this exciting event back to Frederick Community College in 2026! As with all Steeplechaser races, we will pay your processing fee. The registration fee you see is exactly what you'll pay! No sneaky add-on fees. Net proceeds will again be donated to The Women's Giving Circle of Frederick County . MORE INFORMATION For more information, see our website at https://frederickwdf.com HISTORY In 1979, the RRCA started the Women’s Distance Festival in response to the lack of distance running events in the Olympic Games for women. The first Women’s Distance Festival events were held on July 13, 1980, the date of the men’s marathon at the Moscow Olympics. Today, the Women’s Distance Festival celebrates the history of women’s right to participate in running events at any distance and at any age. While women’s participation in distance running nearly matches that of men, the Women’s Distance Festival continues to serve as a celebration of the determination and dedication of women runners across the country. TEAMS Participants of the 5k Run/Walk may optionally register as part of a team. In-person runners who are competing on a team are also eligible for individual awards. Team Type Description Minimum Team Size Family Any combination of mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, granddaughter, wife, partner, etc (you know who your family is!) 2 Friends Any company, civic organization, club, friends 4 Registrants who wish to participate in the team competition must provide the team name and team category during registration. If you are registering a large team and would like to pay in a single payment, contact the race director at info@frederickwdf.com . SPONSORS Please consider supporting the event through one of our sponsorship opportunities. See www.frederickwdf.com/sponsors . TRAINING The Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club offers a nine-week summer training program for women in preparation for the Frederick Women's Distance Festival 5k. The coaches are excited to be able to bring our beloved women's 5k training program back this year for in-person training runs. Registration for the training program is separate from registration for the race. Signup at: https://runsignup.com/fsrcwdf5ktraining . The training program is free for members of the Frederick Steeplechasers Running Club. If you're not already a member, you will need to signup before registering for the training program. For more information about our training program see: https://steeplechasers.org/training/training-programs/wdf-5k-training-program/
Hotels Near This Race
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Frederick Women’s Distance Festival 2026 — Frederick, MD
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 1.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Frederick, MD.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Frederick Women’s Distance Festival 2026 — Frederick, MD?
Frederick Women’s Distance Festival 2026 — Frederick, MD takes place on August 1, 2026. The race is held in Frederick, Maryland.
Where is Frederick Women’s Distance Festival 2026 — Frederick, MD held?
Frederick Women’s Distance Festival 2026 — Frederick, MD is held at Frederick Community College Student Center in Frederick, Maryland.
Where can I find hotels near Frederick Women’s Distance Festival 2026 — Frederick, MD?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Frederick. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
