Girls on the Run’s biggest event of the Fall/Spring is the GOTR 5K at the conclusion of each season. Girls on the Run strives to instill confidence through accomplishment for all participants. The 5K is a celebratory closing event that gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line is a joyful moment program participants always remember! Everyone in our program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredible achievement.
This event is major for our organization, girls, volunteers, and partners. The GOTR 5K brings so much joy and excitement out of our girls and allows them to showcase the skills and friendships they learned and found throughout their time in the program. Running is a small piece of what our overall mission is here at Girls on the Run. Here at GOTR, coaches and volunteers know the importance of physical activity, especially during the time of adolescence. Our hope is that the girls will use and implement strategies and methods learned at GOTR throughout the rest of their lives, long after the 5K is over. Understanding how to manage emotions are key takeaways we want our #GOTRgirls to be able to understand and develop to be able to lean on in years to come.
Run4ourLife Memphis is a community organization that believes running will not only build physical health, but has the power to transform your mind and heart. Our friends at Run4ourLife have taken the time to share their thoughts on running and how it has impacted their lives.
Sondra Gaddy Dockery
Run4OurLife, Co-Founder & Lead Coach
I volunteered last year with GOTR 5K and my experience with the race was awesome. Just seeing all the girls running with their coaches with smiles on their faces just warmed my heart. Everything was very organized and it was easy to find my volunteer spot. Looking forward to doing it again.
Kathalene White
Run4OurLife Board Member
I have had the opportunity to help pre-race with the warmup, hyping up the runners, as well as cheering at the finish line. I love seeing the girl's excitement before the start. Some seem like they are ready to conquer a giant and others nervous about what's about to happen. But their expressions once they cross the finish line will bring tears to your eyes. The joy you see in them is like "wow I just completed a 5K". As a fitness enthusiast it brings me joy to see young people especially young girls doing something active and physical that could possibly be the stepping stone to them continuing to live an active lifestyle.
Teraney Montgomery
Run4OurLife Member
I enjoy GOTR because it's inspiring to see youth prioritizing their health and wellness at such a young age. Running makes me feel limitless. It gives me confidence to push past obstacles
Lisa Monger
Run4OurLife Member, 901FitLife Owner, and GOTR MC for 5K’s
GOTR is an amazing way to see so many young ladies put in the hard work, and dedication to elevate each other to train, then finish their season with a 5K race. Some of these ladies start the season without proper footwear but they commit to making friends and showing up.
LaHenrya Boyd
Run4OurLife Member
I learned to run in my early 30s and it positively transformed both my physical and mental health. GOTR is introducing this life-changing activity to girls at a young age. I can only imagine the amazing impact this small act will have on improving the health trajectory of their lives.
Unique Martin
Run4OurLife Member & GOTR Coach
My first time participating in the Memphis GOTR 5K was as a running buddy for one of my students. There was this lively exuberant atmosphere. I knew then I wanted to be a part of the program. I have participated in the Memphis GOTR 5K seven times!!! I love running (jogging), because it gives me a sense of accomplishment, helps relieve stress and keeps my body happy. What I love even more, as a GOTR Coach, is being a part of so many young girls' journeys in developing a love for running and all the benefits they are reaping from it. It is truly an amazing experience to participate in.
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There are many physical, emotional, and mental benefits of running a 5K that each person can take away. Each response is unique in its own way but inspiration, confidence, and joy radiates out of each separate individual's response. Now that we know the ‘bonus’ benefits of running or walking a 5K, let’s switch gears to learn the health benefits of participating.
According to research, running promotes brain health, boosts the immune system, lowers risk of heart disease, builds muscles, and strengthens bones (just to name a few of the many benefits). Researchers believe that more exercise is linked to better memories and thinking skills. Running helps to fight off disease, leads to better immune function, and helps lower stress hormones that in return make your immune system stronger. Running won’t just make you feel physically better; it will also increase your mental health too. A psychological benefit or running/walking is the release of endorphins. Endorphins produce feelings of happiness, euphoria, and relaxation. The more physical exercise, the more positive emotions your body releases. With more exercise you may notice that your body craves sleep– which is a great thing because running and walking help to improve overall sleep quality. In effect, good sleep promotes the release of growth hormones and can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
But, what if I’m not a runner?
Not a problem, at all! Walking is so important too!
When you walk, you carry your own body weight; therefore walking is known as a weight-bearing exercise. A few benefits of walking include increased cardiovascular and pulmonary fitness, reduced risk of heart disease, stronger bones and improved balance, and increased muscle strength and endurance.
Auna Ingram, GOTR Site Liaison for Freedom Prep, expanded the #GOTR curriculum into more Freedom Prep Charter schools this spring. When asked why, she stated:
“Expanding GOTR across the Freedom Prep network provides more students with opportunities to develop essential life skills, improve physical and mental well-being, and build confidence.” Adding on to that statement she responded, “Implementing GOTR offers a holistic approach to education, combining physical activity with social and emotional learning. This approach ensures that students are inspired and recognize their abilities, aligning with Freedom Prep's mission to help students experience success by thinking critically, connecting socially, and serving selflessly.”
To be able to speak with and hear coaches describe their perspective on running and how transformational it can be in your life is so so encouraging. At the GOTR Memphis 5K, you are able to move at your own pace, at your own speed. It’s an amazing opportunity to do something that will in return affect many physical, emotional, and mental aspects of your life positively.
If you or anyone you know is interested in running, jogging, walking, or just being a part of a 5K, visit https://www.gotrmemphis.org/5k to learn more about the Girls on the Run 5K taking place on May 4