Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio (GOTRNEO) will host its 21st semi-annual 5K event Saturday, May 20. The Spring 5K event will bring 1,100 girls from five Northeast Ohio counties to participate, alongside an additional 2,000 coaches, parents, family, friends and community members.
This spring’s event will host James Hardy, chief of staff and assistant to the Mayor of Akron, to speak to the girls and for the first time, the race will start and end at the University of Akron’s InfoCision Stadium.
This celebratory race is the culmination of a 10-week program aimed at helping young girls to realize their limitless potential while improving emotional and physical health. The girls are empowered with a greater self-awareness, a sense of achievement and a foundation in team-building to help them become strong, confident young women.
“Girls on the Run NEO has touched the lives of over 10,000 girls since 2007,” said Robyn Cutler, executive director for GOTRNEO. “It is truly heartwarming to watch each of the girls achieve their goal of crossing the finish line. Another step closer to realizing they are capable of anything!”
Cutler also noted the role volunteers play in making the event a success. “It takes lots of community support to ensure that all girls have a safe and fun experience. We are so grateful for the support we’ve received from the Akron community and surrounding areas each year, but this is our biggest event yet and we are in need of more volunteers.”
To join the GOTRNEO teams by registering to run, walk or volunteer, visit www.gotrNEO.org.