EDMOND — The inaugural Hot Mamas Run and Baby Parade on Sept. 30 will include a 5k run, a 1-mile fun walk, costume contests and more.
What it won't include is men.
All women are welcome to participate, although some events are geared toward mothers. All girls are welcome, too, but the only folks in attendance with XY chromosomes will be boys ages 12 and under. Their fathers and big brothers will have to stay at home.
The event includes Oklahoma's first sanctioned and certified female-only 5k run, said Abbi Meadows, 30, who is organizing the run.
The idea grew out of Meadows' experiences after her son, Beau, was born. He is now 2.
“I've always had a passion for fitness,” she said in a phone interview, “but since becoming a mom the importance of staying fit has really been emphasized to me.”
Finding time for workouts got a little harder. She watched other mothers struggle to get back in shape after pregnancies, and while she saw many succeed, she also witnessed failures.
“I've worked with different fitness groups over the years,” she said. “I've seen a lot of women struggle with that.”
She decided to put together “a little run in the park” for women, she said, a time to have fun, relax, focus on healthy activities and make friends. But her idea gained momentum, and the event grew.
“I am absolutely blown away by the reaction we are receiving for this event,” she said in a news release. “We are hearing stories of women who feel a sense of empowerment because of this opportunity. Some have not run in 20 years and finding this a great reason to start again; others are using this as an opportunity to make significant changes for the better in their lives.”
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