Both walkers and runners get injured, the injuries are different. Walkers have more problems with their feet while runners have more knee problems. The 12 pace groups of the Marathon Clinic provide support for runners of all paces from those racing a sub 3 hour marathon to those wishing to complete a marathon in 5 hours. I'm certain the conversation is different in groups with more males. Sometimes men learn more about female health problems and anatomy than they ever wanted to know.
Women can ask advice or simply vent their frustrations while in a group situation.
I hear conversations about work, relationships, children, travel, sports and the ever popular food as the distances get longer. Relationship talk tends to speed up the pace, but what to eat when you are done is the most common finishing topic. They see the marathon as a way to define themselves as athletes. Athletes need to take the time train, to feed themselves properly and to take care of themselves to be healthy. Women can take care of themselves as athletes without feeling guilty.