British International athlete Lily Partridge shines at Boutique Run

Race report: Boutique Run - London, Saturday July 9, 2011

This year’s most glamorous running event, Boutique Run, took place on Saturday in Battersea Park and saw nearly 2,000 women take part in the second annual, women-only fitness event – the only to offer this unique combination of sport, beauty and live entertainment.

Runners of all abilities took part in the event, including British athlete Lily Partridge, who notably won British honours for last year’s World Cross Country and recently represented her country at the European Cross Country.

Lily explains her motivation behind taking part in the Boutique Run, “It’s no surprise that I’m a running enthusiast, but I also enjoy and support events such as this which encourage women to maintain active lifestyles. It is important for women to take care of their health and take an interest in their fitness, and it is great that Boutique Run promotes female sport in a way that is unique and fun”

Each runner donned their free running vest, supplied by sportswear partner, ASICS and completed a 5 or 10km run.

The weather was great and spirits were high, with women from as far away as Scotland travelling down to take part in this exclusive event and many fundraising for Boutique Run’s charity partner, Breakthrough Breast Cancer.

Ladies swarmed the ASICS trailer, keen to try out in the live casting taking place as part of the brand's Facebook campaign to find the next face of their fashion-inspired performance running range, AYAMi. After crossing the finish line, runners freshened up with hot showers and a complimentary sports pack of Vita Coco, 100% natural coconut water. They could then chill out in the Boutique Retreat or the Vita Coco pop-up beach before enjoying the rest of the after party.

There was a packed programme of live music and entertainment including Beatbullyz, dance act Frameous, solo artists Chelcee Grimes and Joelle Moses, as well as new urban girl band Duchess and DJ Sunday Girl.

Filthy Gorgeous London, the cool new beauty services lounge and Australian cosmetics brand, Natio and Liza Smith – nail & beauty expert to the stars - were on hand providing free manicures, mini-makeovers and hair styling.

As well as five star pampering stations for participants, the three fastest 5 and 10k runners were presented with exclusive gifts from GUESS and ASICS. All runners received a ‘Bouti’ bag packed full of goodies from brands including Elemis, Une Cosmetics, Defected Records and Diva Popcorn.

“We’re delighted with the way Boutique Run has developed in just two years. It was a brand new concept and is aimed at breaking down barriers to women’s participation in sport; encouraging them to come together and enjoy exercise. We are planning a series of similar events as part of our wider Boutique Sport campaign that will marry sport with fashion, beauty and music in the same way. So watch this space!” said Boutique Sport Director, Kara Sweney.

10k results

5k results

Click here for further information and for full results