This year marks the 15th anniversary of Girls on the Run South Louisiana. We invite the community to celebrate at the upcoming Girls on the Run 5K Series in Baton Rouge at 9am on Saturday, November 16 or in Lafayette at 2pm on Sunday, November 17.
Over the course of the after-school program, girls develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event. This event provides girls with a sense of accomplishment and instills the value of goal setting at a young age.
Here’s what one caregiver shared last year, “I’ve watched her adopt healthy habits and grow and learn to overcome her challenges. Today was her 5K celebration. We ran, walked, and encouraged each other and she finished strong! I think this may become our new hobby.”
The Girls on the Run 5K isn’t just for the girls though. Men, women, and children of all ages are encouraged to participate in the untimed, 3.1 mile event. Registered participants will receive a t-shirt, 5K medal, and post-5K food.
Over the course of 15 years, the 5K course may have changed but the joyful and inspiring components of the Girls on the Run 5K remain. Starting an hour before the 5K begins, participants are encouraged to get “Happy Hair”, pick out an inspirational bandana, and participate in the vendor activities and giveaways.
Be sure to head to the stage for an energizing warmup before the 5K. As participants line up to the start line, you’ll see dads in tutus, volunteers in capes, bright bandanas, glitter faces, and tons of smiling faces. It’s not like any 5K you’ve ever attended.
A Girls on the Run 5K medal is waiting for you at the finish line, along with a plate of pancakes (Baton Rouge) or bowl of jambalaya (Lafayette) and fruit. Grab your food and take a minute to soak in the celebration.
To make this the best 5K series yet, we need YOU! Join us as a 5K participant or volunteer, by visiting www.girlsontherunsola.org/5K. Registration for the 5K is $30 through Nov. 14, after which the cost will increase to $35.
