The SOVAH Super Run 5K/8K will be held May 11, celebrating the local Girls on the Run and STRIDE programs.
The races will start and finish at the corner of Susan Lane and Indian Trail in Martinsville. Runners will follow a course that circles Lake Lanier on area paved streets.
The runs, which are open to the public, will start at 8 a.m. and mark the end of the 10-week Girls on the Run spring season which began in February.
Girls on the Run is a nationwide program is designed to inspire young girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum by creatively integrating running into their lives.
The curriculum combines training for a 5K (3.1 miles) running event with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem-solving skills and make healthy decisions. All of this is accomplished through collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff, and the community.
The program serves girls in the third- through eighth-grades in teams at Axton and Meadow View elementary schools; Collinsville YMCA; and Rocky Mount, according to Courtney Hairston, council director of Girls on the Run and sports director at the YMCA.
A similar program, called STRIDE, serves boys of the same ages at Carlisle School. Through games, coach-led group discussions and fitness-related activities, boys are engaged in character-building lessons that integrate running and training for a 5K during the 10-week program.
STRIDE gives boys a chance to share and explore issues they may face in school, in sports, in their community and at home. They learn the importance of being good friends and positive role models, working as a team and making good decisions. The weekly lessons teach boys to know what is right, care about what is right and do what is right while instilling confidence, building character and encouraging healthy lifestyles.
This season there are nine boys and 44 girls in the two programs. A separate season is held in the fall.
Because the SOVAH Super Run celebrates the achievements of youth in both programs, it will include a significant number of young girls and boys along with their coaches and mentors.
The run is part of Miles in Martinsville, which conducts seven races throughout the year with the support of numerous community sponsors.
SOVAH Health, a long-time Miles in Martinsville title sponsor, chose to support and focus on this race in particular.
“Sovah Health is excited about joining forces with Miles in Martinsville to present the SOVAH Super Run – 5K-8K,” said Elizabeth Harris, director of marketing and communications at Sovah Health. “We are pleased to help offer this opportunity for many people to enjoy a healthy activity together that improves the well-being and overall health of our community. This directly impacts the hospital’s mission of making communities healthier.”
Participants may pick up their packets with race bibs on Friday, May 10, from noon to 6 p.m. at the YMCA, 3 Starling Ave., and from 6:30-7:30 a.m. on race day at the Druid Hills School System Office. Race day registration is also available at these times.
Runners are encouraged to pre-register online at www.milesinmartinsville.com. The races will start promptly at 8 a.m.
A course map with details as well as complete information on the SOVAH Super Run 5K/8K and other Miles in Martinsville events can be found at www.milesinmartinsville.com.
