newsnews

Girls Run to Raise Awareness, Funds for Local Nonprofit

Runners participate in the Girls on the Run race on Saturday. Girls from 8 to 13 years of age prepared for 12 weeks for the race, organizers said.

By
Published: May 11, 2009

» 0 Comments | Post a Comment

BRISTOL, Tenn. – More than 300 girls participated Saturday in an event to benefit Girls on the Run of Northeast Tennessee – an area nonprofit agency.

Held at Bristol Motor Speedway, the second annual event helped raise funds and awareness for the program which promotes character development for girls ages 8 to 13, according to a news statement.

The field was evenly divided, with 154 girls from the Girls on the Run program and more than 150 runners from the general public joining the race.

“It’s amazing to watch each girl cross the finish line,” council Director Ani Boyd said. “This event is much more than a 5K. Running has helped these girls gain confidence and strength in themselves.”

The 12-week program uses running and lessons to teach self-respect, positive social and emotional development and healthy living, according to the statement.

Girls on the Run of Northeast Tennessee serves Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties.