A group of female runners gathered after the WEC Race for Women, using silly photo props such as hats and mustaches.

Runners goof off using the photo props after completing the WEC Run for Women.
 

Credit: Penn State Behrend

The fourth annual Run for Women stepped off at 8:00 a.m. on August 24, 2025, near Penn State Behrend’s Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Center. More than 200 runners and walkers registered for the 5K, which was hosted by the college’s Women’s Engagement Council (WEC).

The 3.1-mile course wound through Behrend’s Knowledge Park before participants crossed the finish line and celebrated with Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream.

“Women give so much of themselves to others,” said Heather Cass, publications manager at Behrend and founder of the Run for Women. “This race is a chance to do something just for them.”

Cass, a longtime runner, directed the Her Times 5K in Erie for 15 years before moving the event to Behrend in 2020, when the Women’s Engagement Council was formed.

“For many women, this is their first race—sometimes their first time doing anything like this,” she said. “Crossing that finish line can be a powerful moment. They realize, If I can do this, what else can I do?”

The Run for Women is now a signature event for WEC, which has grown steadily since opening membership in 2022. The council includes two dozen board members and continues to expand its network across the region.

“Behrend values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and WEC provides a woman’s perspective and voice in that work,” said Melanie Ford, WEC president and director of Youth Education Outreach at the college. “Our mission is to support women, uplift students, and highlight Behrend’s many achievements, especially those led by women. We’re excited to keep growing this community.”

2025 Results

Overall women's winners

  1. Pam Wassell, 61, Erie, 22:39
  2. Corinne Petrus, 46, Erie, 22:56
  3. Trinette Rodriguez, 29, Erie, 22:56

Overall Men's winners

  1. Mahesh Lakshminarayanan, 20, Pittsburgh (Behrend student), 18:19
  2. Nathan Bundy, 44, Spring Creek, 21:39
  3. Davy Friedrich, 19, North Collins, NY (Behrend student), 22:12

Complete race results can be found at Big White Trailer Timing.

2025 Race Photos

See photos from the 2025 Run for Women 5K at the event's Facebook page. 

Save The Date

The 5th annual Run for Women 5K is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, 2026.