Baltimore Women’s Classic Announces Shadow Races in Kuwait and Afghanistan

Partnership with Maryland National Guard members will bring BWC 5K on Post

June 2, 2011 - Baltimore Women’s Classic (BWC) 5K is proud to announce a special addition to this year’s race festivities.   Members of the Maryland National Guard who have participated in BWC 5K races in years past have partnered with BWC 5K to organize BWC Shadow Races to be held at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait and North Kabul Afghanistan International Airport NATO base. Approximately 200 runners are expected to participate in these shadow races that will be held on June 3 in Kuwait and June 10 in Afghanistan in advance of the Baltimore BWC on June 26, 2011.

Major Kathryn Masters of the Maryland National Guard came forward with the Shadow Race idea because of her love of the Baltimore Women’s Classic.  When asked what inspired her idea she replied “I have run the BWC for about six years and it is a race I truly enjoy. The camaraderie of women of all skill levels always gives me a boost. I didn't want to miss it this year because of deployment and this gives the BWC a truly international flavor since there are 48 nations represented on the post where I am assigned.”  Major Masters is currently stationed at North Kabul Afghanistan International Airport NATO base.

Although the BWC 5K is traditionally run by women only, race organizers opened up the Shadow Races to our men in uniform to build awareness of BWC’s mission, promote health and fitness and to boost morale for our men and women serving overseas.  

BWC was thrilled when another supporter, Captain Jennifer Hahn, accepted an invitation from BWC to extend the BWC Shadow Race concept to the Maryland National Guard unit stationed at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. According to Captain Hahn, "it has been an honor to organize a shadow BWC run here in Kuwait!  We are excited to support the BWC even though we're thousands of miles away.  We would like to take this opportunity to thank the BWC for all they do for women and their families in and around the greater Baltimore area." 

As a token of BWC’s appreciation, Shadow Race participants received a specially commissioned BWC technical t-shirt and top finishers received medals. College of Notre Dame of Maryland generously sponsored the Shadow Races.