Girls on the Run Participants from Birmingham Area Complete Annual 5K

Birmingham, May 8, 2024 – Outstanding teams of girls from all over Jefferson County recently donned their running shoes for the annual Girls on the Run Birmingham 5K Tutu Run, which took place this year at Homewood’s Patriot Park. The Girls on the Run program inspires participants of all abilities to recognize their unique strengths and establish a sense of team connection.

A Blend of Physical Activity and Life Skill Development

Under the guidance of volunteer coaches, sessions in the Girls on the Run program incorporate physical activity with vital life skills training. This unique approach enables program attendees to adapt efficiently to whatever life throws their way. The much-anticipated closure of the program season culminates in every team completing a 5K run together – an event that provides them with a tangible sense of achievement and the confidence to tackle future challenges head-on.

The completion of the 5K run instills in every participant a feeling of accomplishment, a boost in confidence and a lasting memory of the joy experienced at the finish line. To commemorate their achievement, all program participants were awarded a special medal.

The Rising Need for Girls on the Run

In today’s rapidly changing world, the pressures girls face and their needs are evolving and intensifying. Various research reports have shown a decline in both the mental health and physical activity levels among girls over the last decade. The Girls on the Run program plays a crucial role in tackling these mental and physical health concerns. Enabling girls to bolster their confidence, build meaningful relationships, and discover the joys of movement, the program has become more critical than ever.

Impact and Popularity of Girls on the Run

Each year, the Girls on the Run program attracts over 200,000 girls aged 8 to 13 from across the U.S. and Canada. Since its inception in 1996, the program has inspired, transformed, and empowered more than 2 million girls. More than 330 5K events are held annually, attended by girls, their families and volunteer coaches – making the Girls on the Run 5K the largest 5K series by event count globally. Each year, approximately 600,000 participants and spectators attend a Girls on the Run 5K event.

Program Overview

Spanning eight to ten weeks, the Girls on the Run curriculum is research-based and targets girls in 3rd to 5th grades. The program allows girls to understand themselves better, value relationships and teamwork, and recognize the impact they can have on the world around them. To learn more about the program, visit Girls on the Run.