Geneva 5K aims to inspire women runners

A new 5K meant to inspire women to run will take place along the shores of the Fox River this month.

The Fox River Trail Runners are hosting the free She Runs the Fox 5K Fun Run and Expo on Thursday, May 14, at the Fabyan East Forest Preserve in Geneva.

The goal of the first-ever event is to celebrate sisterhood by holding an evening filled with running, education and women's camaraderie, organizers said.

"More and more women are starting to run," said Karen Willuweit, who is helping to organize the event as part of the Fox River Trail Runners. "We loved the idea of bringing new and experienced runners together to celebrate our sisterhood and run together. This is a great opportunity for females who have wanted to run, but couldn't find the resources to start. We welcome all levels of fitness to this event."

At the event, which runs from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., there will be a 5K fun run or walk along the Fox River Trail, starting at the windmill in the Fabyan East Forest Preserve in Geneva.

Runners or walkers of all levels are invited to participate. Although the focus is on female runners, men are welcome to participate as well.

Willuweit of Batavia will be participating in the event and hopes to support and bond with other female runners in the Fox Valley area.

"I am thrilled to get the chance to run with other women of all fitness abilities," she said. "There is something so empowering about bringing women together to celebrate our strengths. It doesn't matter if you have never run before or have run a marathon, we are all coming together to encourage one another and have some fun. Everyone will leave having met new friends and possibly new running partners."

The Fox River Trail Runners formed in 1995 to promote running in the Fox Valley. It has more than 400 runners, from ages 8 to 80, President Tom Spadafora of Aurora said.

Although this is the first She Runs the Fox 5K, the group sponsors other events throughout the year, he said.

It sponsors three road-running events each year, frequent group runs, endurance training programs and youth scholarships.

Jennifer Chintala of Geneva joined the Fox River Trail Runners three months ago when she moved to the area from New Jersey.

Until then, Chintala, who is training for her first marathon this season, had always run on her own.

She said the group has been a great help to her. She's found it is a way to foster friendships, and to work with others who have the same interests and goals as her.

She hopes that new women runners will come out to the event on May 14, and find some of the same camaraderie she has found with the group.

"For me, it's really changed who I am as a runner," she said.

"I think it's hard for some people to start something new," Chintala said. "With a sport like this where you're not going out and joining a team, it can be hard to start. For new runners it can be intimidating, especially for women. A lot of women are busy and it's hard to take the first step."

Following the run/walk on May 14, there will be a DJ providing live entertainment, food, and a vendor expo featuring female running products and accessories.

Although the event is free, organizers are asking everyone to register at eventbrite.com/e/she-runs-the-fox-5k-fun-run-and-expo-tickets-16519711903/. The first 100 to register will receive a piece of motivational jewelry.

For information visit frtr.org/.

If you go

What: She Runs the Fox 5K Fun Run and Expo, hosted by Fox River Trail Runners

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, May 14

Where: Fabyan East Forest Preserve in Geneva; enter off Route 25 north of Fabyan Parkway

Cost: Free, but registration is requested

Details: Visit the web site at <a href="http://www.frtr.org">frtr.org</a>/. Register at <a href="http://https://www.eventbrite.com/e/she-runs-the-fox-5k-fun-run-and-expo-tickets-16519711903">eventbrite.com/e/she-runs-the-fox-5k-fun-run-and-expo-tickets-16519711903</a>/