I’ve already made my confession. back in February, I wrote about my passion for running, despite a complete hatred for all things ‘sporty’. I run because it makes me feel good and keeps me fit. But I don’t enjoy it. It’s hard and boring and tiring and it hurts. But I keep slogging away, because at least if I’m running I can still eat garlic bread. And Mini Egg yoghurts (yes, they exist). And pizza.

So when I was contacted about Boutique Run 2011 – official tag line ‘sport with style’, unofficial tag line ‘for women who don’t enjoy sport’ – my toes twitched. I’d been struggling to stay focused and motivated with my running (remember this?) and Boutique Run sounded like the perfect goal.

I know – I’d never heard of it either. Boutique Run is a women-only 5k or 10k run in Battersea Park on Saturday 9th July. Much like other organised runs, you collect your vest, warm up, run the distance and get a medal for your achievement. But that’s where similarities end, because Boutique Run is sports wrapped up in a big, girly bow.

The Boutique Village is open from 3pm on the day, so you have plenty of time to get ready, style up your leggings, work out if there’s a flattering way to wear a sweatband, put on lipstick before you realise that’s ridiculous and wipe it off, etc. At 5.30pm, you’ll leave your bags in the dressing room and take part in the warm up, and then it’s race time. When you complete your 5k or 10k run, it’s back to the Village for a hot shower and a quick change into your evening attire. Yep – evening attire. This is where it gets really interesting.

As a reward for your awesome sports-based achievement, you’ll be treated to an evening of pampering. There’ll be nail bars, blowdry stations and make-up artists ready to turn you from red-faced runner to stylish socialite. Then you’ll need to limber up for the final part of the day – champagne, music and dancing. Maybe dancing from your seat if you’re really knackered. But still.

I love the idea behind this event – motivation is the thing I struggle most with, so to have my hard work rewarded in such a fabulous way is a real kick. I’ll be making my way to Battersea Park, trainers in hand and nervous expression firmly in place, on 9th July to take part, and I’d love to take some Little Bird readers with me…

The giveaway

I have TWO free entry passes, worth £38.50, to give away to Little Bird readers. Entry includes an ASICS vest, Vita Coco drinks and the exclusive Boutique Sport ’bouti’ (see what they did there?) bag.

To be in with the chance of winning, just tell me why you’d like to take part in Boutique Run by leaving a comment on this post. Do you struggle with motivation and need a kick up the ass to get training (like me)? Just started running and need a goal distance? Want a free makeover? All perfectly acceptable reasons.

The rules

• Boutique Run is girls only, so this giveaway is not open to those of you with the Y chromosome (that’s the dudes)
• The run is taking place on Saturday 9th July at 6pm at Battersea Park, London, so you need to be free and able to get to the location on that day
• You will need to make your own travel/accommodation arrangements if you live outside London 
• Make sure you leave a method of contact in your entry comment (link to your blog where I can find an email address, actual email address, Twitter handle)
• You must be over 18 on the day of the run to take part
• The giveaway closes at 10pm on Monday 25th April and winners will be announced shortly after