Girls on the Run of Southern Indiana held its celebratory 5K at Jasper Middle School Saturday morning. While running and fitness are part of Girls on the Run, the program is designed to teach essential life skills through research-based activities beyond running. Trained volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy.
Organizers estimated that with the 299 participants, running buddies, volunteers and spectators, more than 800 took part in Saturday’s celebration in Jasper.
The race starts and ends at the JMS track, with runners running an out-and-back course that takes them along St. Charles and through the Jasper Elementary School property.
Sophie Fullington of Chrisney Elementary (left) and Sophie Gates of Jasper Elementary crossed the finish line together on Saturday.
Incorporating the lessons instilled by the program, the finished runners lined the track to encourage racers as they came in.
Kaya Putnam, 4, ran and jumped on the track after the racers passed through. Kaya’s sister was participating in the 5K.
