A year ago Amy Da Ponte felt overweight, unfit and stuck in life.

She was always tired and struggled to motivate herself, even when it came to individual workout sessions with a personal trainer.

Then she tried running.

Since then she’s dropped 35lbs and found a new lease on life.

“When I first started out running was really, really hard,” she said. “You’re out of breath and want to give up because it’s difficult, but by doing the races it motivates you to keep up with it because you see other people running and cheering for you and it’s a good atmosphere.”

The benefits aren’t limited to weight loss. Ms Da Ponte has noticed her legs are more toned and she’s in a happier frame of mind overall.

She’s managed to stay on track with her fitness goals by signing up for pretty much every 5K running race that comes around.

Her personal favourite? The annual You Go Girl Relay.

“With all the races the atmosphere is fantastic, everyone is so supportive of each other,” she said. “With You Go Girl in particular it’s so much fun.

“It’s so awesome to have almost everyone dressed up in costumes or matching shirts and have the guys, who are dressed up too, cheering you on. It is also nice to have the relay option, especially as not everyone may be on the same fitness level as the other team members.”

You Go Girl is a female-only race which launched back in the summer of 2012. This year’s event will move from Dockyard to Hamilton.

Organiser Natalie Dyrli is hoping everyone comes out to Front Street to show their support on Sunday, June 7, at 8.30am.

Rose-Anna Hoey counts herself as another huge fan of the relay. She’s been on the winning team twice.

Last year her group didn’t fare so well but she still had “lots of fun”.

“We dressed up as guys for the event with wigs, moustaches and all. A lot of people spent the race trying to figure out who we were,” she said.

“It was the ultimate disguise. I think people know that even though I am a keen racer I am a joker at heart!”

The most rewarding part of the event was crossing the finish line alongside her girlfriends.

Ms Hoey started running six years ago. Before that she went to fitness classes, but preferred the freedom and flexibility that running offered.

“I ran my first full 26.2 mile marathon less than five months after starting running for an Irish cancer charity. That’s when I really caught the running bug,” she said.

“Running is a great sport. It’s so simple all you need is good shoes and some motivation to get out the door.

“It helps you lead a balanced lifestyle. I don’t believe in stringent restrictive dieting, life is about balance and enjoying yourself and having fun now and again.”

The top runner has competed in races on the roadside, track and even in the mountains. “I even ran in races when I was eight months pregnant — albeit at a slow, comfortable pace,” she said.

Ali Hochberg started racing in 2008.

She knew nothing about running, but wasn’t happy with her overall health at that time.

“I put on a pair of shorts, a three-year-old pair of sneakers, a cotton T-shirt — and couldn’t run one single mile without stopping,” she said.

“Since then I’ve gradually become better, but my motivations for doing it have definitely changed.

“First it was to get fit, then it was to stay active during pregnancy and to get back in shape after my son was born in 2011. At some point, it turned into a personal contest and I kept telling myself ‘someday I’ll run a 5K’, then, ‘someday I’ll run a 10K’ etc.

“Now I like training for marathons, putting in the hard work and being able to have that sense of accomplishment. Plus, I won’t lie, I like the medals! I also want to keep being a good role model for my son.”

Mrs Hochberg feels stronger and is more confident with her body now.

While she’s taken part in plenty of local and overseas races, she still finds YGG to be one of the more unique ones. “The great thing about the You Go Girl is that it’s as hard as you make it,” she said. “You can get a team with other ladies who want to push each other and actually race, or you can grab some friends and just go for a trot.

“No one judges how fast/slow you are going and no one seems to really be focusing on finish times.

“Personally, the most rewarding thing is being a good role model to young girls and other ladies by showing that fitness can be fun. I know a lot of ladies feel uncomfortable in races that are for both men and women, or even in all-women events where there is a huge focus on winning.

“You Go Girl is an awesome opportunity to just get out there. Run, walk, skip — everyone is there to support each other, support a good cause and welcome in summer.”

Betty Doyling enjoys the fact that you get to don cute costumes, while enjoying time with other women runners.

“One thing I remember most about the event is the camaraderie that all the women share,” she said. “The atmosphere on the day of the race has a strong sense of sisterhood, uniting all women. We are all rooting for each other throughout the race.

“It’s an amazing feeling seeing all the supporters as well. Having the race in town this year will bring a larger turnout I think.”

Mrs Doyling started running about a decade ago in a bid to challenge herself. To this day running gives her a huge sense of accomplishment. “I try to move past the pain and push toward the future,” she said. “I run because it fills me with feel-good endorphins and makes me realise I can accomplish anything in any area of my life. I know the pain will always be there, but I won’t let it run me.”

Bonnie Mills is someone else who likes the social aspect of the sport. Running allows her to spend time with friends, outside.

Unlike marathons, where it’s all about competing, YGG is more about having fun, she said. “If you want to start running but feel a bit intimidated to enter a race then this is for you,” Ms Mills said. “You team up with your friends, play dress up if you wish and can run whatever distance you feel comfortable with.”

To register for You Go Girl Relay, visit www.racedayworld.com. Proceeds from the event will go to Women’s Resource Centre.