More Than 6,000 Women Made Racing in the Rain Look Easy at the Seventh-Annual More Magazine | Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon in Central Park

NEW YORK, April 28 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 6,000 runners and walkers braved the rain to take part in the seventh-annual More Magazine | Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon, hosted by Sex and the City actress Kristin Davis, on April 25th in Central Park. Davis will also appear on the May cover of Fitness, on newsstands April 27th.

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Runners represented all 50 states, and everyone from first-time runners to elite runners participated in the event, celebrating the health and fitness of women of all ages. Additionally, participants raised nearly $20,000 for CARE, an organization that empowers women around the world to help end global poverty.

The first athlete to cross the finish line was Sally Meyerhoff, 26, of Scottsdale, AZ, who despite the rain set a new event record time of one hour, 14 minutes, and 40 seconds. "I felt really good out there today, and the support from all the other women was amazing," said Meyerhoff, who competed in a blue running skirt and wore her red hair in pigtails.

Meyerhoff, the reigning USA 25K champion, overtook early leader Colleen De Reuck, 46, of Boulder, CO, near the nine-mile mark. De Reuck, a four-time Olympian and the reigning USA 20K champion, who has a half-marathon personal best of 1:08:38, finished second in 1:16:26. Victoria Fiddick, 44, of Bermuda finished in third place with a time of 1:25:16.

Despite the challenging conditions, the event had a record 6,360 finishers; registration had closed in February due to overwhelming demand. The temperature was 47 degrees at the 8:00 a.m. start, with a driving rain that continued through mid-day. Most participants wore water-resistant rain gear and, in many cases, plastic garbage bags.

"Races like today are character-building," said Betty Wong, editor-in-chief of Fitness magazine, who finished in 2:03:40. "In spite of the crazy weather, all of us came out, we ran, and we had a great time."

Biggest Loser contestants Nicole Brewer (Season 7), Cherita & Victoria Andrews and Migdalia "Miggy" Cancel (Season 9) also participated in the race.

The 2010 More Magazine | Fitness Magazine Women's Half-Marathon, in partnership with New York Road Runners, was presented by Lady Speed Stick, with product sponsors Silk Soymilk and Oakley, Media Partner WPIX and Health Club partner Bally Total Fitness.

Leading up to the event was a two-day Health and Wellness Expo with additional sponsors Crocs, Murad, Lululemon and Skechers.

SOURCE More Magazine/ Fitness Magazine Women's Half Marathon