Girls on the Run to Host Annual 5K on Saturday, Nov. 17.

Press Release

Iowa City, IA (October 29, 2012) – The 6^th Annual Girls on the Run 5k presented by University of Iowa Women’s Health will take place on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the University of Iowa Tennis and Recreation Complex.  More than 300 of the participants will be girls from all over Eastern Iowa who have trained with volunteer coaches for 10 weeks as part of the Girls on the Run program.

Girls on the Run is an after-school program for 3^rd through 6^th grade girls. Girls on the Run combines running with lessons about important topics such as preventing bullying, processing emotions, serving the community, and making wise choices. The 5k race is the culminating event of the 10-week season. 

“Watching hundreds of girls and their supporters cross the finish line, knowing they can do anything they set their minds to, is one of the most rewarding experiences in our program,” said executive director Kathleen Cannon.  “To have the whole community join in celebrating the girls and their accomplishment is fantastic.”

Participants will receive a t-shirt and post-race refreshments, and there will be pre-race festivities including face painting and a Goodyhair station. The race course begins at the University of Iowa Tennis and Recreation Complex and incorporates the UI Ashton Cross Country Course, Coralville trail system, and the Mormon Handcart Trail.

The 5k is chip-timed, family-friendly, non-competitive and open to the public.  Runners and walkers of all ages and levels are encouraged to register. “Come out on November 17 and support an amazing cause while you have a great time doing so,” said Race Director Beth Pfohl.  

Registration is available online at www.girlsontheruniowa.org/5k and same-day registration will available 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 17, 2012 at the University of Iowa Tennis and Recreation Complex. 

National sponsors of the Girls on the Run program include Athleta, Goody, Skintimate and Secret.  Local sponsors include University of Iowa Women’s Health, Running Wild, Title Boxing Club, Midwest One Bank, Kaplan Test Prep, Aero Rental and The Ronald McDonald House of Eastern Iowa.

Girls on the Run of Eastern Iowa is a volunteer-powered non-profit organization serving more than 300 girls from over 20 area schools in Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty, Solon, Hills, Cedar Rapids, Marion, Hiawatha, Center Point, Urbana and West Branch.  Visitwww.girlsontheruniowa.org to get involved or learn more about how Girls on the Run helps prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.