Girls on the Run returns to Sweet Briar for 15th semiannual 5K

A participant nears the finish line during Girls on the Run’s spring 2017 5K at Sweet Briar College. Photo by Karen Smith


Girls on the Run of Central Virginia returns to Sweet Briar College for another Fall Celebration 5K on Saturday, Nov. 17, marking the council’s 15th 5K at Sweet Briar. Pre-race activities begin at 8:30 a.m., with the race starting at 10 a.m.

Girls on the Run of Central Virginia is an independent council of Girls on the Run International, a network of more than 200 councils across 50 states and the District of Columbia. Girls spend 12 weeks in the program, including training to prepare for the semiannual 5K — a culminating event that recognizes and celebrates their efforts. Girls on the Run encourages girls between the ages of 8 and 13 to live healthy, confident and empowered lives — a mission that fits well with Sweet Briar’s commitment to fostering confidence, courage and grit among its students, and to educating women of consequence. Since 2011, the College has sponsored the Central Virginia council’s spring and fall 5Ks on campus.

“It’s so hard to believe that time has gone by so fast,” council director Mary Hansen said. “Our first event [at Sweet Briar] was on Nov. 19, 2011. We continue to be grateful for our partnership with Sweet Briar College and hope the relationship will continue for many more years.”

Hansen is expecting about 400 runners for Nov. 17, as well as 125 coaches and nearly 100 community participants. She also anticipates more than 100 volunteers to “help out around the course” as running buddies or at various stations before the race, including at the always-popular happy-hair table.

For more information, email girlsontheruncenva@verizon.net, visit the council’s website or follow them on Facebook.