Accomplishing goals and challenging oneself are life lessons that can be difficult to learn and understand. Encouraging an entire community to take challenges together is even more of a feat. Girls on the Run of the Wood River Valley believes it is all possible and, most importantly, fun.
Holding their 4th Annual Community 5k Fun Run and Healthy Living Expo, Girls on the Run have created a fund-raising event for everyone to participate, learn and enjoy. On Saturday, May 19, at Hailey's Heagle Park, all ages and abilities are invited to come and participate, either by running or walking, and enjoy a day with family, friends and community.
"It's growing," said Shari Kunz founder and director of Girls on the Run of the Wood River Valley. "We wanted to make it a fun family event and community-oriented event. We invited a lot of non-profits who reach out to family and kids to make their lives better."
There will be 18 venders at the Health Expo, where there will be games that both adults and children can participate in together as well as learn about healthy living. In addition, there will be a Clean Sweep of Heagle Park and the Big Wood River, which will count as part of Girls on the Run community service. The ERC will have bags for the community cleanup event, and all attendants of the Community 5K and Healthy Living Expo are encouraged to beautify the area.
"There is so much positive energy with people finishing the event, it's a good place to have community participation," Kunz said. "Kids get to play and win prizes and it keeps it all going because it is a really positive event.
There are a lot of events for the upper level athletes, and not everyone can do them. It's nice to have an event that everyone can do." Kunz added.
"It is really motivating for the girls. Making healthy choices, being positive and accomplishing something big for themselves is really amazing. It's great to see kids have fun and have a feeling of accomplishment. It falls over to other areas of life."
Registration for the event can be done online at active.com or on Friday, May 18, from 6 to 8 p.m. at St. Luke's Center for Community Health at 309 Main Street in Hailey. It will cost $20 for adults, $10 for students and $40 per family.
For more information, call 788-7863 or visit girlsontherun.org.
Runners take off at the start of the Community 5k Fun Run and Healthy Living Expo in Hailey.
