BRATTLEBORO — Girls on the Run Vermont announces its Southern Vermont 5K run/walk, set for 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, at Brattleboro Union High School.
This celebratory event, presented by Against The Grain Gourmet, is the culmination of Girls on the Run's 10-week after-school empowerment program for local girls in grades 3-8, and is open to members of the community to participate as runners, walkers, volunteers, or sideline supporters.
Girls on the Run Vermont has affected more than 40,000 Vermont girls since its inception in 1999, and its mission to inspire young girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident is growing each year.
“These girls are the future leaders of Southern Vermont,” said Nancy Heydinger, the program's executive director, in a news release.
“The important life lessons they've learned in our program over the past few months, and the goals they have set for themselves are what make this 5k a true celebration,” Heydinger continued. “To see the families and community members come together to support them on their big day is heartwarming. It sends a message to our local girls that they matter."
This year, the Girls on the Run program - along with the Heart & Sole curriculum for girls in grade 6-8 - will reach more than 2,800 girls at more than 150 sites in the state. Proceeds from the 5K event benefit Girls on the Run Vermont's Every Girl Fund. This fund helps ensure that every girl in Vermont can participate in the program through automatic subsidies and additional financial assistance to those girls who need it the most.
Day-of registration will take place from 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Brattleboro Union High School, with entry fees of $10 for children and $30 for adults. All participants and coaches who registered for the program are automatically registered for the 5K event.
Volunteers are also needed. From course volunteers and face painting, to equipment setup and breakdown, there are many opportunities to get involved. Individuals, families, and groups - school clubs, sports teams, and others - can sign up in advance to volunteer at www.gotrvt.org/southern-5k-brattleboro.
In addition to its hundreds of necessary volunteers, Girls on the Run Vermont is a nonprofit that relies on its generous sponsors to help make its program possible throughout the state.