The inaugural Ryka Iron Girl 10K/5K held at Quincy's Marina Bay on July 9 immediately became New England's second largest all-women's race behind the Tufts 10K (heading into its 30th year this October).

A total of 1,117 finishers crossed the finish line adjacent to the WaterWorks Club and across from the Marina Bay boardwalk with its flotilla of shops, bars and restaurants. In a reversal of the national trend over the past two decades, there were more finishers in the 10K (614) than 5K (503).

"I think that women have been involved in the sport long enough now that many of them are capable enough and are looking to make the jump and do more distance," noted Iron Girl VP, Judy Moland. There were a total of 68 Mother/Daughter teams included in the competition.

Post-race included a huge hot & cold breakfast buffet with ample seating for runners, family & friends. Part of an eight race national series, the Boston based event was managed by DMSE (Dave McGillivray Sports Enterprises) with DMSE's Josh Nemzer serving admirably as RD with ChampionChip timing by Granite State Race Services.

10K Top Five Overall

1. Carolyn Kondoleon, 32, Andover, MA, 38:34; 2. Maria Varela, 25, Brighton, MA, 38:42; 3. Eileen Cakouros, 38, Milton, MA, 39:15; 4. Christina Sheehan, 23, Cambridge, MA, 39:27; 5. Suzanne Walmsley, 37, Franklin, MA, 40:42.

5K Top Five Overall

1. Maria Servin, 43, Middleboro, MA, 18:07; 2. Andrea Gillespie, 32, Somerville, MA, 18:39; 3. Melissa Donais, 22, Bradford, MA, 18:50; 4. Caitlin Sauerhage, 18, Rising Sun, IN, 19:47; 5. Maryellen Borge, 48, Gloucester, MA, 21:01.

Complete Results in Results Section