Picture it — over 1,000 females of all ages running and walking to show their support for women’s empowerment and education.That’s exactly what will happen on Sunday during the PartnerRe Women’s 5K Run and Walk, a fundraiser this year for the Women’s Resource Centre.Now in its 15th year, the event has grown from 150 participants into one of the largest events on Bermuda’s race and walk calendar, according to race director Kathy Fulcher.The event has raised more than $350,000 for female-related projects since its inception.It is presented by Mid-Atlantic Athletic Club, sponsored by PartnerRe Ltd and sanctioned by the Bermuda Track and Field Association.“It is all women taking part, so that is pretty unusual and different,” Dr Fulcher said. “We probably have maybe 300 runners, but the walkers’ category has really grown. We have two different kinds of walkers, the competitive walkers who want to be timed and then we have the fun walkers who are just getting out and enjoying the camaraderie. We also have a shorter, 2K junior race for girls 15 years old and younger. A lot of school girls take part in that.”She said it was particularly nice to sometimes see several generations of a family taking part.“There is a really good atmosphere,” she added. “Afterwards, Butterfield & Vallis provides breakfast so everyone sits around on the grass and talks about their experience during the race.”Every year a charity is chosen from submitted proposals. In the past they have supported the Bermuda Heart Foundation’s Women’s Heart Health Month, and breast cancer awareness.“We chose the Women’s Resource Centre this year because they are focusing their efforts on the education and empowerment of women,” said Dr Fulcher. “They are trying to encourage women to know they have choices and how to deal with different situations. They are also running a programme in schools called ‘Good Touch; Bad Touch’. We felt they needed the funds and they would use them well.”Dr Fulcher said she would not be taking part in the race because she was too busy organising it. However, she has been a runner since the age of 12 when she was a competitive sprinter in school.“When I was pregnant I did power-walking,” she said. “With running and walking I love the fact that you can just put on a pair of shoes and just walk out of the door. You don’t need to go anywhere specific to do it. You don’t need a lot of expensive equipment. You can’t cheat. You just have to lift your own body that distance. It is good work. You can push yourself as hard as you want, or not push yourself.”For those who weren’t particularly fit, she said the buzz and positive atmosphere usually carried people the three miles to the finish.“It might be hard work, but you will finish it,” she said. “I would stress to people that it can be quite a hot day even in October, so take plenty of water and listen to your body on the day.”The race starts at 8.30am at the Botanical Gardens. Participants travel to Lover’s Lane in Paget and back. To register or for more information visit www.partnerre5k.bm, e-mail kfulcher@northrock.bm or acam@logic.bm. Alternatively, telephone 504-5505 or 504-6119.