On May 9, over 900 girls, 230 coaches, 50 volunteers and dozens of parents gathered in San Leandro for the annual GOTR Spring 5k, with 70 schools and community sites joining in on a sunny day in Marina Park.
Decorated with glitter, bows and other accessories, girls headed down to the starting line, being cheered by volunteers and parents surrounding the borders, ready to take photos and holding up signs of encouragement. Large groups began their run in rounds, breaking through the ribbon and running through a path filled with support and camaraderie.
“It was such a great day! The energy at the 5K is exciting and official and electric in a way that the girls really feel after working toward it all season,” Coach Ilyse of the Heart and Sole program at Kezar Stadium said. “Getting to watch them run it and see how proud they are of themselves is so rewarding. The way they show up for each other while still pushing toward their own goals is the best part.”
Coach Ilyse with one of her Heart and Sole girls
Through both the 5K and the sessions leading up to it, the goal is for Bay Area youth to realize their limitless potential through the positive environment their coaches have created, as well as by taking part in confidence boosting activities. Crossing the finish line at the 5K is meant to be the encapsulating moment of both accomplishment and pride as these young participants continue to grow socially, emotionally and physically.
Coach Ilyse continued, saying, “We had an 8th grader, Sahana, running her sixth and final 5K with GOTR, and it was so special to be there for that milestone. We’ve really seen her grow in her running journey and in her confidence in herself. She has been such a dedicated part of the program over the years and was so grateful for everything it has given her. She even mentioned she might come back next year just to volunteer and cheer the others on.”
Coach Ilyse and the Kezar Stadium team
Coach Amanda, of Frick United Academy of Language added, “Coaching was a very fulfilling experience. At times it was challenging to motivate the girls (and myself!), but it was totally worth it to see how proud they all were finishing the 5K.”
Coach Amanda said that one highlight of the season was seeing some of her girls turn into runners. “At the start of the season, they did not think of themselves as athletes and hadn’t done anything like this before, but as the season progressed, they got stronger and learned to pace themselves, and they ran the whole 5K without stopping. They now think of themselves as runners, and want to keep running!”
Coach Amanda and the Frick United team
After crossing the finish, girls were handed medals and their choice of Sparkling Ice to help cool off. Many took photos with their running buddies and parents. Leaving the park, many girls were more energetic and vibrant than before the run, with many wanting to continue GOTR Bay Area next season!