Girls on the Run celebrating 2024 season with 5Ks in South Bend, Elkhart this month

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Michiana Girls on the Run teams will be celebrating the end of 2024 season with two 5k races, one in South Bend, and the other in Elkhart, this month. 

The races are presented by the South Bend Clinic and "will bring together 58 schools and community centers across Michiana." organizers said.

"Both events are open to the public, feature lively music and some creative activities to build confidence and excitement at the starting line," said Public Relations Manager Megan Shaffer. "Each course offers scenic loops with tree-shaded areas and curvy streets through a residential neighborhood. The courses will be well marked and with plenty of volunteers to guide you along the way."

At the finish line, food, music and plenty of photo opportunities await runners. Organizers say more than 1,700 participants combined are expected at this year’s events, including program participants, their family and friends and community members.

"With 56 teams across five counties, Girls on the Run Michiana participants in 3rd-8th grade spend eight weeks participating in lessons lead by trained coaches that foster confidence, build peer connections, promote critical thinking and encourage community service while they prepare for an end-of-season celebratory 5K event," the organization said.

Elkhart 5K - May 11:

• Trinity United Methodist Church 2715 E. Jackson Blvd.
• 5K Run begins at 9:30 a.m.
• Online registration open until May 10
• Cost with preregistration is $30 for ages 13 and up, $20 for ages 12 and under
• Cost day of the event is $35 for ages 13 and up, $25 for ages 12 and under

South Bend 5K - May 18

• Potawatomi Park 2105 E. Mishawaka Ave.
• 5K Run begins at 9:30 a.m.
• Online registration open until May 17
• Cost with preregistration is $30 for ages 13 and up, $20 for ages 12 and under

Cost day of the event is $35 for ages 13 and up, $25 for ages 12 and under

The local Girls on the Run Michiana serves Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko, Marshall and St. Joseph counties.

According to their website, Girls on the Run, a nonprofit organization founded in 1996 with just 13 girls, now has local councils in all 50 states and has served over 2 million girls. Locally, Girls on the Run Michiana has served more than 8,200 girls since 2011.