Girls on the Run of South Central WI celebrates 13th annual spring 5K

VERONA, Wis. (WMTV) – Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin celebrated its 13th annual spring 5K on Saturday.

Over 2,700 runners participated in the 5K at Verona Area High School, making it the largest season ever.

“It’s so powerful to see a girl-centered space,” Girls on the Run of South Central Wisconsin’s Executive Director Christine Benedict said. “Seeing kids take on something hard together knowing that even though it’s going to be kind of tough, especially on a rainy day, to make it through 3.1 miles. They’ve got hundreds of kids that believe in them and they’re going to help carry them across the finish line.”

The nine-week after school program for third through eighth grade girls is more than running. It teaches them life-long skills like confidence, character, contribution and empowerment.

“It’s just so inspiring to see how much interest there is in what we’re doing,” Benedict said. “People understand that there’s a reason to have girl-centered spaces where kids can be together, celebrate their strengths, learn about their unique star power and to feel like this is worth celebrating and expressing joy over.”

Girls on the Run (GOTR) of South Central Wisconsin happens across ten counties and 92 different schools.

Saturday was the program’s 13th spring 5K run, but GOTR of South Central Wisconsin has been in the local community for 19 years.

The program will return again in the fall. To learn more about Girls on the Run and how to join, visit their website.

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