Women's Distance Festival 2026

The Women's Distance Festival is a two-mile run and walk for women and girls held in Washington Park, Springfield, Illinois. The race begins at 8 AM in July. All ages and paces are welcome; competitive runners participate alongside those who plan to walk or stroll. Participants are encouraged to invite a mother, daughter, sister, family member, colleague, or friend. Strollers are permitted, but pets are not allowed during the live race. The course is contained within Washington Park, with a distance suitable for newer runners, walkers, and families, while still providing awards for overall, masters, and age-group finishers. All finishers receive bottled water, bananas, and snacks. Participants who opt in will get a text with their finish time. A Kids' Fun Run, untimed and for children age 12 and under, follows the two-mile race from the top of the hill near the finish line. Each child receives a medal and a treat bag.