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An all-girl race, with a twist

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The Team is comprised of Rose -Anna Hoey, Laura Wright and Hilda Stoney, who celebrate after winning the first You Go Girl Relay held at Dockyard in 2012 ( Photo by Glenn Tucker )

Scores of women are getting ready to get out their pink running gear and sneakers to test their mettle in the You Go Girl! Relay.This year’s race — taking place next Sunday at 8.30am — promises to be just as much fun as last summer’s inaugural run, but the biggest difference is that one lucky male will be joining the pack.In a bid to raise more money for the Women’s Resource Centre, race organisers have introduced a “twist”.One man will be “selected at random” from a draw, and will get to run the entire 6K of the course with the ladies, explained organiser Natalie Dyrli.Nominations and donations for the ‘One Lucky Guy’ can be made on www.racedayworld.com. The draw will take place next Friday.Ms Dyrli encouraged the public to donate as much as they could to the fun, and worthy cause. “The more donations for your guy, the more times his name will appear in the draw,” she said.Last year was the inaugural You Go Girl! Relay event, and organisers said it was an “overwhelming success”.Participants raised $6,000 for the Women’s Resource Centre; they chose to support the charity for a second year because of the “extremely good work” it does in empowering, and assisting women, in Bermuda.Female runners also raved about what a great time they had at the first event. Judging from feedback on the event’s Facebook page the women are equally as excited this time around.Ms Dyrli said: “The ladies can look forward to a fun day in Dockyard. They’ll be spending the morning running with their favourite ace girls, getting to listen to some fun, girl power themed music.“They’ll be receiving a new pair of super cute You Go Girl! sunglasses for the summer, raffle draw prizes for all participants, free admission to Snorkel Park, discounts on mini golf at Bermuda Fun Golf, and other activities that will be going on in Dockyard that day.”She said the all-female race had so many unique elements that set it apart from other running events on the Island.The relay involves teams of three women who each run a different distance; this means it can accommodate people of varied age and athletic abilities.“One of the ladies runs a 6K, a second team member will run a 4K and the third team member runs a 2K and they run and work together as a team,” Ms Dyrli explained.“Because there are three different distances available to run, we saw many new faces that we don’t see at the typical road races, which was excellent.“A 2K isn’t as intimidating to some ladies as a 5K might be for someone who would like to start participating in running events.”Another great part of the event is many teams came dressed alike, and really got into the spirit of the event.Ms Dyrli said seeing all the creative costumes was her favourite part of the last relay. “I love super cute running gear, and to see so many of the girls in matching team outfits just made my day,” she said.“I also enjoyed seeing ladies all year wearing their You Go Girl! sunglasses. I still bump into girls wearing them all over the Island, at the beach, in town or at other running events, and it totally makes me smile every time.”She said: “Races like this are great because it is an event unlike any other here in Bermuda. Not only is it an all female race, the relay element promotes healthy female bonding, and how to work together as a team.“The ladies have to work together and cross that finish line together,” she added.The event was founded by Christine DeSilva and is sponsored by ‘U by Kotex’ and the Oil Group.For more information visit the You Go Girl! Relay Facebook page.

Particpants, many dressed in pink and purple, pose for a photo before running the first You Go Girl Relay held at Dockyard in 2012 ( Photo by Glenn Tucker )
Scores of particpants took part in the first You Go Girl Relay held at Dockyard in 2012. Organisers are hoping for an even better turn out at this year’s event. ( Photo by Glenn Tucker )