Heart McAlister, 5, is taking on her 1st 5K – Gildan Esprit de She Cary 5/13

How old were you when you ran your first 5K? For Heart McAlister, that would be 5. And, she’s really excited! May 13, this fearless five-year-old is indeed running her very first 5K. The Gildan Esprit de She Cary presented by Burt’s Bees. This designer race event celebrates women – of all ages. Heart and her mother, Christina McAlister, are taking on this adventure together. After all inside of every woman—and girl—lies the spirit of courage, determination, strength, fearlessness, and power waiting to be let out.

Christina says Heart, named after the fact that her parents met on Valentine’s Day, feels empowered and strong to be able to run with her mom, other cool moms, friends, and a community of women who want the best for their health.

The McAlister women—Christina (35), Heart (5) and Grace (8)--often walk and jog. To school and in nature, along a nearby trail. On one of their jogs, they got stuck in pouring cold rain several miles from home. Though it was the perfect opportunity for Christina to talk to her girls about mental toughness, she did get asked every 5 minutes, “how much farther?” After a few tears, a couple also jogging along the trail joined the trio and the tears melted into laughter and triumph. “Sharing our experience of running in the rain was special moment my girls and I will always have,” said Christina. So, the McAlister’s know first-hand that when others who share the passion for health and fitness join alongside and share the victory, the word “community” really takes on a deeper meaning.

That’s part of the reason they signed up for the May 13 5K/10K happening at the Koka Booth Amphitheatre. Christina says she is thrilled Heart’s very first 5K will be with the Gildan Esprit de She because she will have such a beautiful memory of the fun in running, the commitment it takes, the endurance required to get to the finish line, and the overall sense of community. “The best part for me,” said Christina, “is that it's the most awesome Mother's Day gift I could ever have---my daughters are healthy, I’m healthy, and we are taking on a new life challenge together.”

As the nation’s premier designer event series for women, the Gildan Esprit de She Cary offers a race for every pace and passion. It’s a morning that includes a designer race experience, high-value participant gear, and a Lifestyle Market. This event begins with a timed 5K or 10K run (or walk or jog) and ends with a post-race lifestyle market of festive proportions. Participants salute their success with a drink at our signature Bubbly Bar and enjoy healthy eats and energetic live music while enjoying the popular Beauty Bar powered by LifeSpa and the many experiences brought to life by Gildan Esprit de She’s event partners.

To register: http://espritdeshe.com/cary-nc/register/