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Thousands came out to watch 217 girls and women, ages six to 60, compete in the 37th annual Colgate Women's Games.

They beat out 11,000 other hopefuls to make it to the competition.

"It's really exciting and it's a bit overwhelming but I'm getting better so it's fun," said one
young participant.

"It's really fun being here. Just the fact that we made it here is a big deal so I'm happy," said another.

"It's awesome. This is my second year back and I'm so happy to be back. I mean it's nerve wrecking, it's kind of scary...but then again, I'm pumped," said a third.

The meet balances both athleticism and education, with some girls required to write essays in order to compete.

"We pride ourselves on our college graduates and they often come back to see this. Some of them come back and run again. We have one or two last season who are now on a full scholarship at some of the best universities," said Colgate Women's Games Director Fred Thompson.

In the 30 and older group, the competition was fierce all around.

"The 1500 in the Garden is difficult. It's almost 11 laps and it's mentally tough but I ran 5:03 which is a really good time for me and I placed first," said one participant.

"I'm competing against girls who weren't born when I ran Colgate 1. It's tough," said another. "The body is not what it used to be but I do what I can. I've grown old gracefully, I've slowed down but it's nice to come out and compete."

The ladies all competed for trophies as well as education grants furnished by Colgate-Palmolive.