GOTR of Northwest Indiana

The best job during the Girls on the Run 5K is being at the finish line to hand out medals.  So I was there at our Spring 2013 5K, watching 600 girls and 700 other runners and walkers cross the finish line.  For most of the girls -- and for quite a few parents, relatives or friends that run with them as their "running buddies" -- it is the first time they have completed a 5K.  You can see the happiness and feeling of accomplishment on everyone's faces.  I love watching the smiles, the hugs and the tears of the runners and the spectators.

By the time of the race, each team of 15 to 20 girls has been meeting twice a weeek, for ten weeks.  They've taken part in lessons about getting to know themselves, getting along with others and being part of a community.  Their coaches have also led them in a well-designed 5K training plan to get them ready for the run.  The girls learned a lot about themselves and each other, and have become a strong, supportive team.

Back to the finish line, we handed out most of the medals we had ordered.  We had more girls in the program than we had anticipated, so we were even using some medals from previous races.  I really did not want to run out and have even one girl not get a medal!  Most of the girls had come through, and we felt like we were in good shape.

Suddenly, we saw a huge group of girls running toward the finish line. I had a moment of panic, as we had only two medals left!  As they got closer, I realized that all of the girls, except one, already had their medals.

The team from Jefferson Elementary in Hammond had all gone back to run in with their teammate, Hannah.  Arms raised, she crossed the finish line.  Hannah's coach wrapped her in a big hug, while everyone else wiped tears from their eyes.

At that moment, I saw the lessons of the season all come together; the self-confidence and pride, the 5K training and the demonstration of teamwork.  It was a very happy ending to another great GOTR season!