This past Friday marked International Women’s day, and what better way to celebrate than with some running.

“You know, today is just a 30 minute walk/run,” said Andrea Agar, the CFO and Cofounder of the Duluth Running Company. “Whatever you want to do, even if you want to come up here and be here for the party, that’s fine, you don’t even have to walk or run. If you want to participate, you can walk 30 minutes, you can run 30 minutes, you can walk 10. We don’t really care. We just want to have this opportunity for women to get together and celebrate International Women’s Day.”

The Duluth Running Club was out and about on Friday, International Women’s Day, getting runners, or walkers, together to celebrate the many ways that women make a difference in our community, and those across the world.

The event also focused in on the gap between women and men business owners, and how it can be bridged.

“Our Women’s Business Alliance and the Duluth Running Company have a bridge the gap fund, and so proceeds from the run will benefit our women entrepreneurs and our local community through our local programming, training, advising, and access to capital that we provide through the entrepreneur fund,” shared Carly Vigut of the Entrepreneur Fund.

“That fund goes towards female entrepreneurship in the Twin Ports area,” added Agar. “So over the course of 3 years we’ve been able to provide resources, education, and startup capital to female business in the Twin Ports area.”

Runners and walkers met up at the Duluth Running Company, and from there on, however they wanted to finish their 10 miles was up to them.

At the end of the day, it was all about girl power, and getting together.

“Today I’m running because there’s a bigger purpose behind the Duluth women’s 10 mile,” said Megan Kohel, the marketing manager at the Duluth Running Company. “It’s all about supporting and empowering women and the only way we can do that is by working together.”

The Duluth Dunning Company also unveiled the Duluth women’s 10 mile, which is meant to empower women to start or continue their running journey.

Between the smiles and connections made between runners and walkers and the smiles served up inside the Duluth Running Company, it’s safe to say an impact was made.

However, there’s still work to be done.

“There is a gap still,” said VIgut. “Between women business owners and mens business owners and challenges that women face specifically. It’s all helping bridge the gap and helping women thrive in the community and help women business owners.”

The Duluth Running Company’s women’s 10 mile is set for September 28th, and registration is currently open.