Meredith Corporation, the leading media and marketing company, today announced that the 2018 SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon hosted by Meredith’s SHAPE magazine in conjunction with the world’s premier community running organization, New York Road Runners (NYRR), will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the 13.1-mile race by honoring 15 notable female leaders across multiple industries with its Women Run the World Program.
The race, which will be held on Sunday, April 15th, in New York’s Central Park, is one of the largest women’s-only half-marathons in the country, and draws thousands of female runners and walkers of all ages, from around the world, each year.
As a part of the Women Run the World program, the third-annual Women Run the World Relay will pair 13 of the honorees with young women from NYRR’s Run for the Future program, which trains New York City high schoolers to run their first 5k race, build and strengthen self-confidence, and earn scholarships towards college. Each pair will run or walk a one-mile leg of the course as part of the relay team.
“We’re honored and excited to once again support the Women Run the World Program,” says Elizabeth Goodman Artis, Editor-in-Chief of SHAPE magazine. “For 15 years, this race has inspired and empowered women from around the world, and I can’t think of a better way to celebrate that than by recognizing these 15 incredible women who are making a difference in their industries and communities every day.”
The honorees of this year’s Women Run the World Relay include:
• Amber Rees – Co-founder, Brave Body Project
• Bridget Moynahan – Actress and Activist
• Brooke Mullen – Certified Personal Trainer and Group Fitness Instructor
• CeCe Olisa – Blogger and Entrepreneur
• Daniela Soto-Innes – Chef Partner, Cosme & Atla
• Francia Raisa – Actress
• Katia Beauchamp – Co-Founder and CEO of Birchbox
• Kira Stokes – Celebrity Trainer & Creator of “The Stoked Method”
• Leah Cohen – Chef and Co-owner of New York City’s Pig & Khao and Jersey City’s Piggyback Bar
• Lindsey Clayton – Co-founder, Brave Body Project
• Megyn Kelly – Host, NBC News’ “Megyn Kelly TODAY”
• Rebecca Kennedy – Holistic Fitness Trainer, Peloton Tread Master Instructor
• Tori Bowie – Olympic Runner and Gold Medalist
“The SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon is an inspiring event with a 15-year history of bringing women of all ages and abilities together through the sport of running,” said Sarah Cummins, head of business development and strategic partnerships for New York Road Runners. “We’re proud to again partner with SHAPE on the Women Run the World ™ Relay, which furthers the race’s rich history by partnering a diverse group of successful female leaders with the next generation of runners from NYRR’s Run for the Future Program.”
In addition to the 13 notable women of the Women Run the World Relay, Cynthia Erivo, Tony, Grammy and Emmy award winning actress and singer, will sing the national anthem, and Jen Widerstrom, expert fitness professional and best-selling author of Diet Right for Your Personality Type, will act as a presenter at the opening and closing ceremonies.
Tiff McFierce, the first female resident DJ at Madison Square Garden, will perform at the finish line.
On race day, supporters and spectators are invited to cheer on runners along the course in Central Park, and visit the Race Day Festival at Naumburg Bandshell to enjoy live music, free samples, giveaways, fun activities and more. There will also be an awards ceremony following the race to celebrate the runners and Women Run the World honorees.
NBC News’ Megyn Kelly TODAY serves as the Media Partner of the SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon. Race Product Sponsors include Advil, Cabot Creamery Cooperative, and Natalie’s Orchid Island Juice Company. PowerBar, Ripple Foods and True Citrus serve as Gift Bag Sponsors.
For pre-race events, inspiration, expert training tips, race updates and more, join the conversation on social media using #WomenRunTheWorld, and by following:
SHAPE Half on Facebook: facebook.com/shapehalf
SHAPE Half on Twitter: @ShapeHalf
SHAPE Half on Instagram: @ShapeHalf
To register for the 2018 SHAPE Women’s Half Marathon, click here.
