Girls on the Run Celebrates 20 Years in DFW with Inspiring 5K Event
Plano, TX – This morning, hundreds of girls from across the metroplex laced up their running shoes to participate in the annual Girls on the Run 5K at Oak Point Park, celebrating 20 impactful years in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
With over 700 participants, including runners, coaches, teachers, and family members, the event showcased the spirit and determination of young girls eager to cross the finish line. FOX 4’s Shannon Murray, a longtime volunteer with the nonprofit organization, served as the race announcer, energizing the crowd.
Before the race, attendees enjoyed festive activities at the “Happy Hair Station,” where volunteers spray-painted the girls’ hair, and the “Bling Your Bib” station allowed participants to decorate their race bibs, enhancing the celebratory atmosphere.
Executive Director Allison Gnade expressed her emotional connection to the event, stating, “I have been involved with the organization for 10 years, and I often watch from the finish line in tears as the girls celebrate their achievements with their families.” April Massett, Vice President of Council Development, emphasized the significance of the program, remarking, “This is amazing. It’s the culmination of weeks of training and the confidence that comes from connection with their community.”
Girls on the Run is an after-school program designed for 3rd to 5th-grade girls, focusing on life lessons related to social and emotional skills, including confidence and friendship, all while incorporating running and physical activity. The organization is always in search of additional coaches and volunteers. For more information or to find a team near you, visit the Girls on the Run website.
This uplifting event not only marked a milestone for the program but also celebrated the empowerment of young girls across the community and beyond.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
