Record Achievements for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay

Photos: A record 1250+ participants begin the 5th Annual UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K at Poynter Park. Girls on the Run participants cross the finish line, where they receive their “graduation” medals.

More than 590 third through fifth grade girls from 39 Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas County elementary schools “graduated” from their after-school 5K training and life skills program at the recent 5th Annual UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K race.

Held at Poynter Park in downtown Saint Petersburg, Fla., the girls were joined by an additional 650 family members, runners and walkers and Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay volunteer coaches. In total the race drew a record turnout of more than 1,250 participants, raising $7,000 for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay.

Each year, nearly 50 percent of all participants receive some level of financial support, based on financial need. In total, more than $28,000 in scholarships was awarded to 299 girls for the Spring Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay after-school training and life skills program, enabling every girl who wants to run and participate can.

“UnitedHealthcare’s support for the past three years has been instrumental in the growth of our program,” said Laura Moore, executive director for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay. “Without these funds, many lower income schools and girls would not have the opportunity to participate in what has proven to be a life-changing and enhancing experience for all the girls and their coaches,” Moore added.

The race and its proceeds commemorate and help fund the Girls on the Run training program in the Greater Tampa Bay Area, which has grown from six participating schools in 2013 to 39 schools in Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco Counties for the Spring 2018 program.