Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts 5K Slated for Nov. 24

NORTHAMPTON — Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its season-ending 5K event on Sunday, Nov. 24 at Westfield State University, and is expecting between 3,000 and 3,500 people to attend.

Girls on the Run is a physical-activity-based, positive youth-development program that uses fun running games and dynamic discussions to teach life skills to girls in grades 3-8. During the 10-week program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season, celebratory 5K event.

This fall season, Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts is celebrating it’s 10th year. It has served more than 11,000 girls since its start in 2015. This fall, the program boasts 750 participants in 56 sites around all four Western Mass. counties, with 250 volunteer coaches that bring the curriculum to life.

Participants learn many important life skills throughout the lessons. One participant wrote, “I like Girls on the Run because it makes you more confident when you’re talking to others, and it helps you control your emotions when you’re feeling sad or anxious.”

This 5K is the culmination of a 10-week, 20-lesson social-emotional program, bringing together all participants, coaches, running buddies, and families. The run starts at 10:30 a.m., but the group warmup will begin at 10 a.m., with participants arriving for fun events at 9 a.m.

Participation in the 5K event is open to the public, and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts. Registration costs $25 for adults and $10 for youth under age 12, and includes an event 5K shirt for the first 700 registered. Early arrival is suggested. Registration opens at 9 a.m.

Girls on the Run is also looking for volunteers for this event. For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.