2015 Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan 5k: New Location!

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan will host its annual Girls on the Run 5k, presented by Gamma Phi Beta, on Sunday, May 17, 2015 at a new location on University of Michigan’s North Campus.

“Our inaugural Girls on the Run 5k was hosted in 2009 on the campus of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, a long-time sponsor of our program. Once we outgrew that course we moved across the street and partnered with Eastern Michigan University. Eastern was great to work with and offered us tremendous support. Unfortunately, due to the proximity of the hospital, we weren’t able to create a course that was fully closed to vehicle traffic. As our program grew the 5k course became more congested and we became increasingly concerned for our participants’ safety. Our team has been searching for over a year for a larger course that could be completely closed to vehicle traffic and accommodate our large number of participants and the thousands of spectators that attend. We are thrilled to collaborate with the University of Michigan this year, thanks in large part to our national partnership with Gamma Phi Beta sorority and their local Beta chapter.” – Danielle Plunkett, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan

Girls from over 80 schools will join their coaches, family, friends, and members of the community for the 3.1-mile non-competitive, festive run/walk, the culmination of Girls on the Run’s 10-week season. The family-fun event includes a celebration expo with activities designed to reinforce the lessons the girls have learned throughout the program. The 2014 5k event had over 3,600 participants.

“Gamma Phi Beta is beyond excited to have the opportunity to host a Girls on the Run 5k this spring on the University of Michigan campus. Our philanthropic focus is Building Strong Girls, and we really feel that Girls on the Run embodies this in the way they inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. We have 215 women in our Beta Chapter at University of Michigan, all of whom will be involved in events from fundraising for Girls on the Run to volunteering on event day. We are hoping to continue our strong partnership with Girls on the Run for many years to come.” - Courtney Collins, Philanthropy Chairwoman, Gamma Phi Beta, Beta Chapter

The 2015 5k route begins with a loop around the North Campus Research Complex, 2800 Plymouth Road, then runs through the Northwood IV housing area, along the tree-lined streets of Hubbard and Hayward and finishes at the corner of Hubbard and Hayward. The finish, team meet-up area and celebration expo are all located in Lot NC53 at this intersection. All roads on the course will be closed to vehicle traffic from 8:45 am – 10:45 am, monitored and enforced by University of Michigan Public Safety.

Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan serves Washtenaw, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and Livingston counties. The ten-week positive youth development program for girls in 3rd – 8th grade is designed to develop and enhance girls’ social, psychological, and physical competencies to successfully navigate life experiences. Meeting twice a week, in small teams of 8-20 girls, the program curriculum teaches life skills through dynamic lessons and running games. Completing the culminating Girls on the Run 5k event gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement, as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.

The 2015 season begins March 9th and program registration continues until March 22nd. Many sites are full, but there are still openings and scholarships available; please visit the Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan website for more information (www.girlsontherunsemi.org) Girls on the Run invites community members, family, friends, teachers and anyone else interested to register for and complete this moving and exciting event with the girls.

To register for the Girls on the Run 5k, volunteer, or inquire about becoming a sponsor visit www.girlsontherunsemi.org. Online registration for the 5k event closes on Tuesday, May 12th.

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Date:

Sunday, May 17, 2015

Registration:

www.girlsontherunsemi.org - closes May 12, 2015

Event Fees:

$25 on or before Tuesday, May 12, 2015

$30 if you register at Packet Pick Up (May 13-16, see locations below)

FREE for 2015 Girls on the Run of Southeastern Michigan program participants and coaches

Packet Pick Up and Late Registration:

Splash Universe (100 Whitetail Drive, Dundee, MI 48131)

Wednesday, May 13th: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Ann Arbor Running Company (2755 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103)

Thursday, May 14th 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Friday, May 15th 10:00 am – 7:00 pm

Saturday, May 16th 10:00 am – 3:00 pm

Event Schedule:

7:00 am - 8:30 am – Packet pick up (*no event day registration)

7:00 am - 11:00 am – Celebration Expo

9:00 am – 5k run/walk start

Location:

North Campus Research Complex, University of Michigan.

2800 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48105

Start/finish and expo in Lot NC53, near the corner of Hubbard and Hayward