2017 SHAPE WOMEN’S HALF-MARATHON DRAWS THOUSANDS OF WOMEN FROM AROUND THE WORLD

RACE HONORS 13 FEMALE LEADERS, INCLUDING OLIVIA CULPO, JACKIE CRUZ AND PAYAL KADAKIA FOR THE SECOND-ANNUAL WOMEN RUN THE WORLD™ RELAY & MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

Deena Kastor takes First Place, Claiming her Fourth Title, in an Impressive 01:16:17

New York, NY (May 1, 2017) – Nearly 7,000 women from around the world took to New York’s Central Park on Sunday, April 30, to participate in the 14th Annual SHAPE Women's Half-Marathon. The race, presented by SHAPE magazine in partnership with the New York Road Runners (NYRR), is one of the largest women’s-only half-marathons in the country.

“It’s always inspiring to see so many beautiful and strong women pounding the pavement in Central Park,” says SHAPE Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Goodman Artis. “We’re thrilled to be a part of this empowering event.”

For the second year in a row, the SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon hosted its annual Women Run the World™ Relay & Mentorship Program. The relay honored 13 notable female leaders across multiple industries, while also highlighting the importance of supporting, inspiring and empowering the next generation of women.

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The @SHAPEHalf Marathon celebrated its14th anniversary and once again proved #WomenRunTheWorld  

Each of the 13 honorees were paired with a mentee from NYRR’s Run for the Future program, which trains New York City high school girls to run their first 5K race, build and strengthen self-confidence, and earn money toward college.

Each pair completed a one-mile leg of the course as part of a relay team.

The honorees included:

  • Candice Huffine, model and Founder of Project Start
  • Elizabeth Goodman Artis, Editor-in-Chief of SHAPE
  • Hannah Bronfman, DJ and Founder of HBFIT.com
  • Jackie Cruz, actress and star of Orange is the New Black
  • Jen Selter, fitness advocate and social media star
  • Jen Widerstrom, The Biggest Loser Trainer
  • Jenny Gaither, Founder & CEO of Movemeant Foundation
  • Jessamyn Stanley, yoga teacher, author of Every Body Yoga, body positivity advocate and Motrin Spokesperson
  • Marygrace Sexton, Founder and CEO of Natalie's Orchid Island Juice
  • Olivia Culpo, actress and fashion & beauty influencer
  • Payal Kadakia, CEO & Co-Founder of ClassPass
  • Rachel Pratt, New York Road Runners Senior Vice President of Youth & Community Services
  • Tolli Love, Vice President, Fundraising & Marketing of CARE

“The 14th annual SHAPE Women’s Half-Marathon truly brought to life NYRR’s mission to help and inspire people through running,” said Rachel Pratt, senior vice president of youth and community services for New York Road Runners. “In addition to the thousands of inspiring runners who completed the 13.1-mile course, this year’s Women Run the World™ relay, which I was proud to participate in, featured an impressive group of mentors to inspire the next generation of leaders and runners from the NYRR Run for the Future program.”

ABC’s Good Morning America News Anchor, Amy Robach, acted as the race host. In addition to delivering opening remarks to kick off the race, Robach participated in the half-marathon and completed the 13.1-mile course along with Sara Haines, Co-Host of "The View" and ABC Correspondent.

“It was such an honor to act as host at today’s event,” says Robach. “What makes this event special is the tremendous enthusiasm of the thousands of women who participate, and the incredible support and bond that is shared by all of them. Running alongside them was truly an unforgettable experience.”

World masters half-marathon record-holder and the event’s four-time champion Deena Kastor crossed the finish line in 01:16:17. Marisa Cummings of the New York Athletic Club was runner up in 1:21:13, followed by Mary Bida in third place with a time of 1:23:09.

ABC's Good Morning America served as the Media Partner of the SHAPE Women's Half-Marathon. Race Product Sponsors included AdvoCare, Motrin, Cabot Creamery Cooperative and Natalie's Juice. CARE, a leading humanitarian organization that empowers women and girls around the globe, served as the Charity Partner; Bloomingdale's served as the Retail Partner; and AVON39, PowerBar and True Citrus served as Gift Bag Sponsors.

For race details and additional information, please visit www.shape.com.

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ABOUT SHAPE
Launched in 1981, SHAPE helps women achieve the best versions of themselves while understanding that healthy living is more than an endgame—it’s a source of personal joy and lasting reward. SHAPE magazine is published 10 times a year with a rate base of 2.5 million and an audience of 27 million, reaching women across all platforms, including the 8.5 million users on Shape.com and Fitnessmagazine.com, and through award-winning consumer events and innovative brand extensions. Visit us online at: http://www.shape.com/ | Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SHAPEmagazine | Twitter: @Shape_Magazine | Instagram: @Shape_Magazine | Snapchat: @Shape_Magazine

ABOUT NEW YORK ROAD RUNNERS (NYRR)
Founded in 1958, New York Road Runners has grown from a local running club to the world’s premier community running organization, whose mission is to help and inspire people through running. NYRR’s commitment to New York City’s five boroughs features races, community events, youth running initiatives, school programs, and training resources that provide hundreds of thousands of people each year, from children to seniors, with the motivation, know-how, and opportunity to Run for Life. NYRR’s premier event, and the largest marathon in the world, is the TCS New York City Marathon. Held annually on the first Sunday in November, the race features 50,000 runners, from the world’s top professional athletes to a vast range of competitive, recreational, and charity runners. To learn more, visit www.nyrr.org.

Media Contacts:

Rebecca Zisholtz; [email protected]; 212-551-7087