Up North: Bridging the Gap Women’s 10-Mile

In recent years people have been putting an emphasis on local businesses.

Over this past weekend, the Duluth Running Company hosted their second annual Bridging the Gap Women’s 10-Mile to help local female entrepreneurs.

The main focus of the race was the celebration of women and to raise money for the Bridging the Gap Fund.

“We developed a fund through the Entrepreneur Fund which gives resources and capital to women entrepreneurs in northern Minnesota,” said Ceo of Duluth Running Company, Clint Agar.

The slogan “bridging the gap” is a metaphor used by the organization for the gap women face. Whether its pay, accessibility, or many others. The race provides an opportunity to overcome that disparity.

“I feel like everyone that I talked to that did it last year, brought friend this year. Hopefully it will just keep growing because it’s an awesome cause and a really well run race,” claimed first place finisher Hanna Torvi.

Over 500 athletes ran in the event, which took the participants along the Skyline, down Seven Bridges Road, finishing in Leif Erickson Park.

“The run was so awesome, it was a little chilly to start and windy but the fall colors made it worth it. It’s super hilly here so you are getting a lot of good training,” said third place finisher Eraca Wagner when asked about racing conditions.

As a female led organization, the Duluth Running Company understands the needs of female leaders, entrepreneurs, and runners. Using the event to celebrate, cheer and empower women in the Northland for years to come.

“I love the cause. Obviously, I would love for women to make the same as men, and I think it’s great that there’s organizations that are getting behind that. Putting a race like this on to raise awareness,” concluded second place finisher Paige Orcutt.

To learn more about the Bridging the Gap Fund and to donate, CLICK HERE.