The Celebration 5k is just around the corner. It’s a remarkable event that marks the end to another season of Girls on the Run. 8 years ago, Lauren W., crossed her first finish line as a Girl on the Run, from Oakland county. She was only 7 years old, and wrote:
“I wish every girl could be in Girls on the run and see the difference it makes in themselves when they learn the 
values and lessons the program teaches. I told my friends all about Girls on the Run and how much fun they would have and a lot of them joined! That made me feel good because I inspired them to do it!”
Today, Lauren is coming back to the 5k–only this time as a volunteer. She shared this
“I truly believe that it changed my life! Not only did I learn about confidence and responsibility, but I became friends with girls I still know today, 8 years later, and I also found my love for running. I started to run with GOTR in 2nd grade and have run every year since, including 4 years with GOTR, 2 years with my middle school cross country team and 2 years so far with my high school cross country team. I’m proud to say I earned my cross country varsity letter at the beginning of my sophomore year. I had several great GOTR coaches and one very special first coach. We’re still in contact and she stops by to visit and even surprised me last summer on my birthday to say hi.”
Soon, it will be 5k day, again. The starting line will be filled with a swarm of girls that twirl and float in their gauzy tutus. Giggles and energy awards will blend in with the music that’s bouncing out of the speakers. Parents, friends, and coaches will tie double knots in their sneakers, too, and join in the swirling laughter. It may seem like an impossible distance from start to finish, but soon the girls will realize that what seems impossible is possible. We will see smiles, and hugs and hands lifted at the finish line. But, what we won’t see are the lessons taking root in the hearts and minds of these young runners. Runners who will walk away from this program, just like Lauren, with new skills, new friends, and a new view of themselves
