It was the biggest turnout in the 15-year history of the women-only PartnerRe 5K as 1,100 participants showed up.Under brilliant sunshine it made for an impressive sight at the Botanical Gardens, underlining how it has become one of the best-supported mass participation events on the Island.It was also a fitting finale for race directors Kathy Fulcher and Alison Harvey who were in charge of the event for the last time after six years at the helm.The pair, along with Lesley Caslin who left the Island earlier this year, have guided the event to increasing success during their tenure as co-race directors.The event has raised $320,000 for charities since it was first held in the late 1990s, with the Women’s Resource Centre benefitting from this year’s record entry.“The junior races have grown in size this year, and I’ve spoken with a lot of people who have previously done the walks and convinced them to take part in the run this time,” said Ms Fulcher.Asked why she thought the event was attracting more entrants each year, she said: “We have the support of the top runners but also a lot of the women taking part like it because it feels less competitive with no men racing.“We have women pushing strollers and bringing their daughters to take part — and everyone loves the race goody bag.”She thanked the race sponsors and said she, Ms Harvey and Ms Caslin had enjoyed overseeing the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club-organised event for the past six years, but it was now time to hand over to a new set of race directors.Yesterday’s 5K race was won by Jennifer Alen in 19 minutes 27 seconds. There were 372 finishers in the adult race, with hundreds more taking part in a competitive 5K walk, a non-competitive walk and a junior 2K race.l See today’s Sports section for race report and results.