WASHINGTON CITY — Girls on the Run Southern Utah is holding their biannual 5K this weekend with parents, girls and mentors running to support the nonprofit organization.
The youth running-based program started in North Carolina and spread nationwide offering training to strengthen social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills.
Girls on the Run Southern Utah Executive Director Melissa Miller said the program relies heavily on community volunteers — parents, teachers, retirees, or those interested in empowering young girls in Southern Utah.
“The Girls on the Run program serves third through fifth grade girls and the Heart and Sole program serves sixth through eighth grade girls,” she said. “Each team consists of 8-15 girls and two volunteer coaches.”
The programs run twice per year in Washington and Iron counties — spring and fall — with a 5K run to put the kids’ skills to the test at the end of each season.
Miller said throughout the season, volunteer coaches utilize authorized, structured curriculum to engage teams in fun and interactive lessons.
Local Girls on the Run teams meet for 90 minutes each day, twice weekly, with the “celebratory 5K event to provide girls with a tangible sense of accomplishment.”
On Saturday, Girls on the Run Southern Utah will be taking over a soccer park in Washington City. Organizers said family-friendly activities will be available, such as a happy hair house, selfie station and a coloring camp, among others.
Registration and check-in for those who prepaid online begin at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, at Sullivan Soccer Park, 965 Washington Fields Road, Washington. Family events open at 7:30 p.m. and the 5K Glow Run celebration begins at 9 p.m.
Cost is $35 for adults and $30 for children ages 14 and under.
“Please ensure you arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the event to warm up and ensure everyone in your group is checked in at registration,” Miller said.
5K enthusiasts who would like to pre-register can do so online. To visit the Girls on the Run Southern Utah website, click here.
According to the national organization’s website, Girls on the Run delivers important life, physical and mental health skills through fun running activities.
“Both team-based and independent activities help participants build confidence, deepen relationships and successfully navigate life experiences.
“Participants grow in personal development, foster meaningful connections with others and learn to contribute to their community,” according to a press release.
Locally, Girls on the Run Southern Utah has served over 1,000 girls from 16 schools and communities in Iron and Washington County since 2015.
“To continue this trend of success, we are currently seeking volunteer coaches to facilitate the fall program and provide critical leadership to its participants,” Miller said.
Coaches do not need to be athletes but are required to be a minimum of 18 years old to serve as mentors. All volunteer coaches must complete a background check, attend in-person training sessions and complete first aid and CPR courses.
“Girls on the Run hasn’t just been a learning experience for my daughter. As a coach, it’s helped me grow as well and step into a new challenge I never expected,” current coach Julie Fagan said. “Girls on the Run taught me to be more encouraging, supportive and empathetic in my everyday life.”
Girls on the Run Southern Utah is an independent chapter of Girls on the Run International serving Washington and Iron County.
Applications for volunteer coaches will open on June 1 for the 2024 fall season program that runs Sept. 9-Dec. 14. For more information on volunteer or donation opportunities, click here.
Event details:
- What: Girls on the Run 5K Glow Run
- Date: May 18, 2024
- Check-in: 7 p.m.
- Family activities: 7:30 p.m.
- 5K Glow Run: 9 p.m.
- Where: Sullivan Soccer Park, 965 Washington Fields Road, Washington, Utah.
- Cost: $35 for adults, $30 ages 14 and under.
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