Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts to Hold 5K Celebration on Nov. 23

SPRINGFIELD — Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts will host its annual fall 5K event on Sunday, Nov. 23 at Western New England University and is expecting more than 3,000 people to turn out.

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 grades 3-8. During the eight-week, 16-lesson program, girls participate in lessons that foster confidence, build peer connections, and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5K event.

This fall season, Girls on the Run has 775 participants in 52 sites in all four Western Mass. counties, with 210 volunteer coaches that bring the curriculum to life — the largest fall season since the start of the organization 10 years ago.

The run starts at 10:30 a.m., but the group warm-up will begin at 10 a.m., with participants arriving for fun events at 9:30 a.m. Participation in the 5K event is open to the public, and all proceeds from the event will benefit Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts.

Registration cost is $25 for adults and $10 for youth under age 12 and includes a 5K shirt for the first 1,000 registered. Early arrival is suggested. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 23 for day-of registration.

The 5K event will also include a food drive. Participants can bring a non-perishable food item to the 5K, and the collection will go to a local food pantry.

Girls on the Run Western Massachusetts is also looking for volunteers for the event. For more information about the event, how to register, and volunteer opportunities, visit www.girlsontherunwesternma.org.