The Baltimore Women’s Classic has a long and storied history dating back to 1976. Since then, thousands of women have participated in Baltimore’s premiere all-women’s race, both young and old, runners and walkers, the competitive and those out for a fun morning with friends. All race proceeds support women's causes. The race is intended to celebrate life, fitness and the power that lies inside each woman to take control of her health.

Laurie Amatucci and Carrie Sauter served as race chairpersons and had a strong steering committee of nearly 25 committed volunteers. The race attracted over 2,800 women, nearly 5 times the amount that participated in 2003 when Tom and Laurie Amatucci began the race. The eight-week training program, now expanded to several locations, continues to be a highlight for women preparing for the 5K.  

When Avon declines to continue their racing series in 2002, Jim Adams knows that the tradition of a women-only race in Baltimore must continue. The name returns to Baltimore Women’s Classic 5K in its 27th year and has only 108 participants. Of those in attendance are Tom and Laurie Amatucci, who recently watched a friend battle uterine cancer. They ask Jim if they can manage the race for 2003 and raise money for the Barnett-Searing National Cancer Foundation. As race chairpersons, Tom and Laurie begin an 8-week training program at Goucher College. Due to increased popularity, the training program is held at two additional locations, Westminster and Harford County. The 5K grows in participants year after year, with a strong support from national and local sponsors. The Baltimore Women's Classic incorporates in 2006, and is approved as a 501(c)3 non-profit charitable organization in 2007.  

With the merger of Equitable Bank and Maryland National Bank in 1990, the popular women’s race lose their title sponsor. The BRRC decides to host the race for a couple of years without a sponsor until Lady Avia comes onto the scene in 1992. The race moves from early spring to mid-summer, and changes to a 5K in 1993. With participation down to 400 women, the Lady Avia Classic 8K moves it to Mother’s Day in 1995.

But by 1997, Lady Avia is not able to sponsor the race, so Jim Adams becomes the coordinator. He recognizes the race as Maryland’s first women-only race and the second oldest women-only race in the United States.

Representatives from Avon Running attend the 1997 Baltimore Women’s Classic, and select Baltimore as one of eight cities to host a leg of the Avon Running U.S. Global Women’s Circuit. Avon begins free training sessions in Baltimore and Ellicott City for 8 weeks leading up to the race. The Avon 10K Race and 5K Fitness Walk begin and finish at Rash Field with about 1,200 women each year. The training program has as many as 600 women running and walking their way to a healthier lifestyle.  

Throughout the 1980s, the Lady Equitable 10K is quite a popular race with nearly 2,000 women running each year. In 1987, the Lady Equitable is ranked 7th of Maryland’s largest races of that year.

In 1976, Marge and Steve Rosasco of the Baltimore Road Runners Club (BRRC) host the “Women’s 10,000 Meter Run” in March with a mere 88 finishers. In 1977, Equitable Trust Bank steps up to sponsor the 10K race held in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. The race has grown to an astounding 406 participants, and it costs $2 to enter.