Record Achievements for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay

Photos: (1) More than 590 girls plus over 700 additional participants begin the 5th Annual UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K at Poynter Park. (2) Girls on the Run participants cross the finish line, where they receive their “graduation” medals. (3) Elementary school girl participants show their appreciation by making a thank you card for UnitedHealthcare for its support.

More than 600 third through fifth grade girls from 42 Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pasco and Pinellas county elementary schools graduated from their after-school 5K training and life skills program at the 5th Annual UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K race.

Held on May 5 at Poynter Park in downtown St. Petersburg, 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.

In addition to serving at the presenting sponsor for the 5K Race, UnitedHealthcare’s support also provided funding for more than 20 training program scholarships. 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 program, enabling every girl who wants to run and participate the opportunity to do so.

Laura Moore, executive director for Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay, said, “UnitedHealthcare’s support for the past three years has been instrumental in the growth of our program. 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.

“UnitedHealthcare is honored to be a Girls on the Run partner,” said Greg Reidy, CEO for UnitedHealthcare Florida. “The after-school program’s proven long-lasting benefits to participants at a critical time in their lives is invaluable and an important part of our mission to support and help people of all ages lead healthier, more productive lives.”

The race and its proceeds 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 42 schools in Sarasota, Pinellas, Hillsborough and Pasco counties for the spring 2018 program.

About Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay

Girls on the Run is a transformational physical activity based positive youth development program for girls in the third through fifth grades. The girls are taught life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games. The program culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5k running event. The goal of the program is to unleash confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay is an Affiliate Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of 200+ locations across the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.girlsontheruntampabay.org.