There’s a reason why Spacebib chose a diamond shape for the finisher medals of the first International Women’s Day Online Race that will be handed out to participants of this timely event. Diamonds represent strength and beauty, but for today’s runner, there’s more symbolism to be found within these gems.

According to "Jing Daily," today's woman see diamonds as investments rather than engagement symbols. Research conducted by ad agency J. Walter Thompson proves, for example, that more than 40-percent of Chinese women "think financial independence equals success." Could Spacebib has found a better image to reward runners?

You don’t have to be a woman to run

When the International Women’s Day Online Race 2019 kicks off on the traditional day (8 March), nobody is excluded from taking part in this event. Registrants can be male or female just as long as they meet age requirements, want to be part of the fun and find importance in the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women while promoting the idea of accelerating gender balance. However, only female participants can participate in the classic category.

The rules are typical of Singapore’s popular online races: Sign up at Spacebib. Next, choose your category from these 6 choices:

• The Basic 3.8km Walk;
• Classic Women's Open 3.8km Walk;
• Basic 10km Run;
• Classic 10km Women's Open Run & Walk
• Basic 21km Run & Walk.
• Classic 21km Women's Open Run & Walk

Keep this in mind: This is a self motivated race, where you may run on your own but you are not alone, plus you’ll get enough rewards just by participating to make this event worth your while-including that dazzling diamond-shaped finisher medal.

Rules of the road

You are allowed to make some of them up since you control your runs. That’s the beauty of an online run. Arrange your schedule to suit your needs, not the needs of race organisers. You’ll have between 8th and 17th March to rack up the number of kilometers to which you have committed. Within that time period, your GPS-enabled running app or tracker serves as your silent coach.

Every time you upload your distance results, you move closer to the promise you made to yourself to finish, and you’ll be able to track your progress via your Spacebib profile where your results will be calculated to make sure you receive credit for every footfall you take.

Once those numbers are crunched, your medal will be on its way to you: antique bronze goes to those finishing 3.8km runs, antique silver for a 10km victory and antique gold for those completing their 21.1km goal.

More than a medal

What have you done lately to show the world that you support women’s progress, accomplishments and milestones? Whether your answer is that you’re on the line fighting for women’s rights every day or you keep an eye out for events like this one to show your enthusiasm, the items you receive in return for your buy in are going to show the world your commitment.

Wear the premium, dry-fit, moisture-wicking commemorative t-shirt frequently to remind people you encounter of this important movement. Hang your medal around your neck proudly. If you haven’t done so, peruse this article on amazing running women and grab some inspiration after reading how an 85-year-old woman set a new Boston Marathon world record.

Your job isn’t done after reading these articles. This is not only the era of the woman but the era of instilling a winning spirit in our daughters, so make it a point to share this history with track stars of tomorrow. It’s your torch to carry. Do so proudly!

In support of AWARE Singapore

AWARE is Singapore’s leading gender equality advocacy group. They believe in the rights of women and men to make informed and responsible choices about their lives and to have equal opportunities in education, marriage and employment, and in the right of women to control their own bodies, particularly with regard to sexual and reproductive rights.

AWARE is dedicated to removing gender-based barriers and works to identify and eliminate these barriers through research and advocacy, education and training and support services.

Spacebib will be making a S$1 (for basic category) and S$3 (for classic category) donation for each participant who completes this International Women's Day Online Race respectively.

How will you carry on the world's women’s running legacy? In spirit? By example? Or will this be part of everything you do in the years ahead, on and off the trail?