NEWPORT NEWS, Va. — "The finish line is just the beginning," is a quote that the Girls on the Run Hampton Roads organization are instilling into young girls across the Commonwealth.
Girls on the Run Hampton Roads is an organization that offers a program that helps strengthens girls' social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills.
Over 2,000 racers registered for today's event in hopes of inspiring young ladies to seek opportunities to help develop their physical lifestyles.
Executive Director, Ellen Carver tells News 3, that events like this help girls build self-confidence and emotional stability earlier on in life. Especially in a society where change is prevalent.
"With school violence, with all the headlines, these girls in particular of this generation are really needing a place where they can be joyful, healthy, confident, they can be in a safe place with coaches who care about them and kids who care about them and all the while they are learning to be physically fit, they are also learning to be emotionally fit," said Carver.
In addition to today's 5K, girls within the program earned their capes, which signifies their achievement towards completing training for the race. The girls who participated in the fundraising for the 5K also helped fund the scholarship that is aimed towards helping other girls in the community join the program.
The organization hopes events like this will continue to encourage girls to seek confidence and responsibility in creating a healthy and active lifestyle.
"We are known for hosting the most spirited and inspirational 5k series in the region. Today is going to spread joy far and wide," said Carver.
