Nonprofit Girls on the Run works to inspire, increase confidence and strength in girls grades three to five through running, activities and conversation. Its 10-week program features a different “big idea” each week, be it positivity, joy or gratitude.
Throughout the year, the organization also holds 5k runs for the girls, their families and the public to participate in.
“We like to say it’s a race like no other,” executive director Meg Pomerantz said. “We see dads in tutus and costumes, and it’s just really special and fun.”
Instead of canceling their spring 5k, originally scheduled for April 25 at Frontier in RTP, the nonprofit has decided to spread out the race over an entire month.
Runners of all ages, genders and abilities are encouraged to instead run the 5k at home in their neighborhoods or on their favorite local greenway and post about it, tagging the Girls on the Run social media channels: @gotrtriangle on Facebook and Twitter, and @gotr_triangle on Instagram, with #GOTRVirtual5k.
The organization also provided an informational guide with running routes, frequently asked questions and other helpful information.
“We recognize not everybody can manage to do it on the same day,” Pomerantz said. “We are hoping that a lot of people will do it the morning of, but we wanted to give them lots of opportunity to do it.”
So far, 100 individuals have registered for the race. It is free to participate, but donations to support the nonprofit are welcome.
“We’re looking at this virtual 5k not only a way for us to celebrate our girls, but also to encourage, in this difficult time, encourage folks to be active and as a way to get out and get some exercise,” Pomerantz said.