The ESPN-W website had given a tip of the hat to the annual Women Run the Cities race sponsored by the Minnesota Commercial Real Estate Women (MNCREW).

ESPN named the race as one of the top five in the country for women. The sixth anniversary of the race will be held on Sept. 23 this year with 2,700 runners expected. The race features a 10-mile course that begins in Minnehaha Park and hugs the MIssissippi River in both Minneapolis and St. Paul. There's also a 1-miler for girls and a women's 5K run/walk. Find more information here.

The race was created by MNCREW, which was founded in 1995 by several determined women and has grown to more than 200 members. Proceeds from the race benefit the Ann Bancroft Foundation, named for the intrepid female explorer, and CREW's foundation.

Said ESPN: "Women's races offer a decidedly different vibe than their coed cousins: more camaraderie, a sole sister atmosphere that welcomes all runners and walkers and lots more running skirts."

Janet Moore covers commercial real estate for the Star Tribune.