Girls On The Run 5K draws in thousands to empower young girls

MILWAUKEE (CBS58) -- As summer starts, so too does the season of races. A special 5K on Saturday, May 31 was hosted by Girls On The Run of Southeastern Wisconsin, with the theme of "confidence through accomplishment".

A record number of more than 5,000 people attended, focusing on girl power! The 5K outside American Family Field celebrates the end of an 8-week program for girls in grades 3 through 8.

Since its inception in 2007, the GOTR has helped over 20,000 girls, empowering the next generation. Angela Cooper, director of development and communications for Girls on the Run of Southeastern Wisconsin says the girls “learn about how to shine their star power, how to control emotions, how be a good friend, and get along with others, while also working on a community project and teaching them how to give back."

Some of the community projects the girls did include dropping off cards at local assisted living facilities, cleanup projects at their schools, and leaving sticky notes at schools with messages like “shine bright” and “be positive today”. Cooper says administrators have noticed how this program changes the environment throughout the whole school.

Those messages of positivity could be seen at the 5K, especially when we spoke with a group of 10-year-old runners like Clarissa, Jude, and Elijona. Clarissa said, “for me it’s exciting because I get to run and express myself and believe in stuff, and I think everybody can do something.” Jude continued, “say positive things about myself instead of saying negative things. Instead of saying, like I don't got this, say the opposite, like you got this! Don't say something rude to somebody else, just not ok. That’s just negative. You should always stay positive.” Elijona said she learned “to believe in each other, encourage people because if you don't, you’ll bring people down.”

While just ten years old, these runners already have what it takes to make it through all of life's moments. Clarissa said her technique “to push through those mountains, those difficulties, is to say positive things… You got this, never give up, you just have to keep pushing through."

Cooper says they want to empower girls, especially at a young age, when they're going through so many changes. That's why Girls on the Run also handed out free sports bras to provide all the resources they need to be active. “When we’re moving, our bodies are good, our minds are better, it’s about having them love themselves and love others too,” she shared.

Girls on the Run of Southeastern Wisconsin is looking for runners, coaches, and volunteers for their fall program. If you’re interested in participating, click here.