ATLANTA - March 21, 2025 - Running legend Kathrine Switzer will join thousands of women at the Northside Hospital Atlanta Women's 4 Miler on Mother's Day weekend, bringing her legacy full circle to the city where she helped shape the future of women's racing. Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon, was instrumental in launching the Avon International Women's Running Circuit, which played a significant role in creating opportunities for women-only races around the world, including this one.
"Atlanta has played a pivotal role in the history of women's running, and I'm honored to be part of this exciting evolution," said Switzer. "This race represents everything I've spent my career fighting for—empowering women through running, breaking barriers and fostering community. I can't wait to celebrate with everyone on race weekend."
Formerly the Northside Hospital Atlanta Women's 5K, the event has been reimagined to revitalize and grow as Atlanta's premier women's running experience. Now a four-mile race, it moves from Cheney Stadium to Lenox Square Mall, offering a new course and fresh energy to inspire participants.
The redesigned course starts at Lenox Square, runs down Peachtree Road and features a scenic stretch along the newly completed PATH400 greenway trail. The event now has an extended course cutoff of 25 minutes per mile, making it more accessible for walkers. Runners will finish in front of the mall's main entrance, ideal for spectating and celebration.
Registration is going on now here. All participants receive an adidas women's-cut short-sleeve shirt, live flowers at the finish line, and this year's one-of-a-kind race medal, featuring a real pressed flower
"This is the first time we've ever created a race medal using real pressed flowers," said Brie Burdych, Account Manager at Always Advancing, the medal's designer. "Each flower is individually placed, meaning no two medals will be exactly alike. That's what makes this piece so special."
The race is open to ages 9 and older, with many participants historically running alongside family members, making the Mother's Day weekend date especially fitting.
"There is no better way to celebrate Mother's Day than by running together," said Rich Kenah, CEO of Atlanta Track Club. "This event is a tribute to the strong women in our lives - mothers, daughters, grandmothers, sisters, and friends - who support and inspire us. Every year, we see generations cross the finish line side by side, creating lasting memories. That's why we made the decision to move the race to Mother's Day weekend, to make it an even more meaningful tradition for the women of Atlanta."
In addition to running on race day, Switzer will headline a Women's Leadership Panel on Friday, May 9, at 5 p.m., during the final hour of early number pickup at Lenox Square. The discussion will focus on the power of running, overall health and wellness and leadership. Switzer will be joined by influential women in Atlanta's running community, including:
- Genie Beaver, owner of West Stride, Atlanta's only women-owned specialty running store
- Lauren Cicinelli, sports dietitian with Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute Sports Medicine
- Tes Sobomehin Marshall, founder and race director of runningnerds
The panel will be moderated by India Calloway, race announcer, emcee, and host bringing a passion for running and a captivating voice to events of all sizes. India has experience energizing crowds at events ranging from local 5K races to the TCS New York City Marathon finish line. Switzer will also be available for photos and autographs throughout the day.
Northside Hospital has proudly sponsored this event since 2017, reinforcing its commitment to women's health and wellness.
"Women often put their health second. Northside Hospital believes in empowering and equipping women to prioritize their well-being — through movement, strength, and community," said Lynn Jackson, CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth. "The Northside Hospital Atlanta Women's 4 Miler is about good health, resilience and celebrating what women can achieve together."
See full event details here.