WORCESTER—Girls on the Run of Worcester County will hold its 5K event at Polar Park on June 10, celebrating the program’s season completion.
The community will gather for the end-ofseason race, marking Girls on the Run Worcester County’s second consecutive spring hosting the event at the Worcester stadium. 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 3rd to 8th grade. During the ten-week after school program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections and encourage community service, while activities integrating running prepare them for an end-of-season celebratory 5K event.
A parent of a participant in the GOTR program recalled how her daughter on the ASD spectrum gained so much socially, mentally, emotionally, and physically from her 5K experience.
“She’s not the fastest runner,” the mother said of her daughter, “but the whole time, people were clapping and cheering for everyone. It didn’t matter what place she came in because she was being healthy and running. The pressure was gone. She was self-motivated. She could be in last place and people were still going to clap for her. It was all about your own journey of getting there. It wasn’t about how fast you were, or how slow, or how cool you looked when you crossed the finish line.”
Another proud parent relayed, “My daughter learned that she is worthy of praise, and that it is a good thing to be confident in yourself.”
Participation in the 5K event on June 10 is open to the public. All ages, genders and abilities are welcome to register to run. All proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run of Worcester County. More than 1,200 participants, including program participants, volunteers, families and community runners are expected.
Event-day registration is still available, and is $65 the day of the event. The 5K fee includes a medal at the finish line.
The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. June 10 at Polar Park in Worcester, and early arrival is suggested. Celebration activities for GOTR participants start at 8 a.m. Girls will have the opportunity to utilize temporary tattoos, colorful hair chalk, and more to get them excited and ready for the race.
For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.gotr-worc.org
