Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan Hosts 5K on Nov. 20

ANN ARBOR — Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan is excited to announce a brand new, wider course to support their popular, expanding program.

Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. The Southeastern Michigan council was founded in 2001 to serve Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and Livingston counties. GOTRSEMI hosts two ten-week seasons, one in the spring and one in the fall. Volunteer role models lead participants through a well-researched and scientifically evaluated life skill’s curriculum designed to support all aspects of girls' development - their physical, emotional, mental and social well being.

Lessons include fun running games and experiential activities that help girls learn to create healthy habits, make positive choices, stand up for themselves and serve as leaders in our community. Girls complete the program with a stronger sense of identity, a healthier body image and an understanding of what it means to be part of a team. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

“The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in all grade levels, girls engage in significantly less physical activity than do boys. This difference becomes more pronounced as girls enter middle and high schools. Studies show that that exercise serves as a fundamental component of emotional health, self-empowerment, and self-esteem for girls, leading to higher self-respect, healthier life choices, and avoidance of self-destructive behaviors.” said Danielle Plunkett, Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan’s executive director. “At Girls on the Run we use training for and running a 5k event as a metaphor to inspire our participants to set other big goals in their lives, to push their limits, prepare for the challenge and then celebrate their successes.”

The New Balance Girls on the Run 5k series, with more than 200 events across the United States and Canada, is the largest youth focused 5k series in the world.On Sunday, Nov. 20 760 southeastern Michigan girls will run 3.1 miles with their coaches, families, friends, teachers and community members.The 5k course starts in front of Eastern Michigan University’s Convocation Center, loops around St. Joseph Mercy hospital’s beautiful campus, and finishes on Rynearson stadium’s 50-yard line. It is a non-competitive, celebration 5k, endorsed by the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness.

“We are very excited about creating an inspiring event that celebrates the girls in our community.” said Beth Gillespie, Girls on the Run’s 5k coordinator. “Our event is open to the public and anyone who wants to run, walk or skip to the finish line is welcome. All finishers will receive a medal. Everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner!”

New this fall is a celebration expo scheduled to follow the 5k. The expo will take place inside the convocation center and is a place for event sponsors to interact with the community and for the girls and their families to celebrate their accomplishment. There will be food, music, dancing, an inflatable slide, bounce house, face painting and much, much more! If you are interested in coming on as a sponsor of Girls on the Run please shana@girlsontherunsemi.org.

Hundreds of volunteers are needed to make this event possible. All volunteers receive refreshments, a t-shirt and the satisfaction of knowing they are helping change lives! If you or a group you know are interested in volunteering contact Rhonda@girlsontherunsemi.org. 

(This press release was submitted by Girls on the Run of Southeast Michigan.)