New Balance Girls on the Run 5k
5k Run/Walk - Thanksgiving, 2009

 

Race Results are Up!!  Click here.

You all are awesome! The race was so fun!  615 registrants - what a great way to start the holiday.  We had a great time.  Check back here for race info. for next year!

 

Details about the 2009 Girls on the Run Thanksgiving 5k:

When: Turkey Day, 9 a.m.

You know that overstuffed feeling you get every year? - this year you can feel good about it by working off a little energy on this scenic, riverside course before the big meal.

Where: The Old Mill District

This scenic course will run along the river starting from the Old Mill. What a beautiful way to show off Bend to your family on T-giving.

 

To view a map of the course, click here.

Why:

There's something about exercising and giving back to a good cause on Thanksgiving that feels great! 

Registration fees ($20/$10 for age 12 and under) go directly to Deschutes County Girls on the Run.  Deschutes County Girls on the Run is a local organization that provides a great service to girls in our community. Through the medium of running, girls gain a healthy lifestyle, increased self-confidence and an important respect for themselves.  Click here to find out more about Deschutes County Girls on the Run.

Plus, the first 300 people who sign up are guaranteed to get a nice, hunter green long sleeve shirt!

Who:

This run/walk is open to everyone!  The whole family should come out!  Walkers, runners, kids, grandparents, this is a great activity for the whole family.  Isn't that what Thanksgiving is about? Family? ...  Or is it about giving thanks?  Or is it about eating until you secretly unbutton your pants and try to hide it with your shirt?  One of those...

How:

Sign up now!  Woohoo! Registration is open!  You can sign up right now by clicking here to register online!  (Online registration is open through 11/22/09)  Or you can register at Fleet Feet Sports Bend (through 11/25/09).  Race day registration will only be available from 7:30-8:30am & the price increases to $25 per adult & $15 per youth. Stay warm, save a few bucks & register early!
 

The loot, the prizes, the turkey day fun:

Scavenger hunt, chase the turkey, prizes... 

• Small numbered pumpkins will be randomly placed along the course - (orange for adults & green for youth). If you find one (please only take one) carry it across the finish line & turn it in for your prize! The swag is fabulous donated by many local businesses (massage gift certificates, athletic club passes, sweatshirts, running socks...)!
• Chase the turkey.  Someone has convinced Fleet Feet Bend owner, Rod Bien, to dress up as a turkey to run the race.  The goal of the race: catch the turkey!  Ha, ha, ha! Please, someone, bring a camera for that part! 
• This is a timed event and top overall male and female finishers will receive awards.
• The first 300 registrants get a great looking hunter green long sleeved shirt.
• Elementary aged GOTR participants will be out on the course completing their first 5k wearing bright orange shirts so give them an extra cheer!

Packet Pickup

Packet Pick up will be held at Fleet Feet Sports of Bend at 1320 NW Galveston (389-1601) on Wed. Nov. 25th from 10am - 6pm. Race day (please only do so if necessary) from 7:30-8:30am in the Old Mill.

Weather

This time of year expect chilly mornings & keep in mind that it can be breezy along the river. Dress warmly - hats, gloves, jackets, hand/toe warmers, etc! Layers area always good. This is a rain or shine or snow... event. In Central Oregon you must be prepared for anything!

Parking

Please do not park near the shops at the Old Mill as some stores may be open that day. There is ample parking in the lots near Shevlin Hixon Dr.

Santa Express

A large component of the GOTR curriculum is devoted to community service. Though all event proceeds will benefit our prevention based programs we would like to help another cause. We will be collecting donations of nonperishable food items, new books, clothing or toys for Santa Express - a drive organized by the City of Bend Fire Dept. All items will go to local families in need. Join our efforts!

Questions

Contact Heather Vihstadt at director@deschutescountygotr.org or at (541) 788-8567.

Thank you:

Thank you for signing up for the event! Your $20 or $10 (for children 12 and under) goes directly to Deschutes County Girls on the Run to support the services that they provide for our community!

Thank you Girls on the Run sponsors!

This race is brought to you in part by:

Fleet Feet Sports of Bend
The Old Mill District
Baldy's BBQ
Bend Memorial Clinic
True North Central Oregon Parenting
The Bulletin
KOHD News
Therapeutic Massage & Fitness
Rebound Physical Therapy
Lacrosse Northwest
Mockingbird Fine Art Gallery
Clear One Foundation
Desert Orthopedics
La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries
Bank of the Cascades
The Center
Papa Murphy's
Clear 101.7FM
Clif Bar

More info:

The New Balance Girls on the Run 5K series is an established event across the U.S. & Canada. In 2008, ninety-nine races were held with 67,000 participants!

The event is open to everyone and we encourage families and athletes of all skill levels to participate!  The event will serve as a fundraiser for Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization, and will help to provide funds for program scholarships, lesson materials, healthy snacks, coach training & other essential operating costs. Details about how to register are coming soon.

To learn about volunteer opportunities, corporate sponsorships, etc. please contact Heather Vihstadt at director@deschutescountygotr.org or call 788-8567.

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a non-profit prevention program with the mission of "educating & preparing girls for a lifetime of self-respect & healthy living." Through running, playing games & discussing important issues, participants are empowered with self-awareness, a sense of achievement & a foundation in team building. Each 10 week (20-lesson) session is led by trained female coaches that teach life lessons such as: dealing with body image, resisting peer pressure, & making healthy decisions. At the conclusion of the season, participants create & implement a community service project & run/walk in a 5K event with adult Running Buddies.

GOTR was founded in 1996 by Molly Barker - Iron man tri-athlete, former high school teacher & track coach with a Masters in Social Work from UNC. She was also a counselor, addressing the needs of women with eating disorders, substance addictions, & depression. The age appropriate curricula were created to enhance the social, mental, spiritual, physical & emotional health of girls 8-14 years of age. They are based upon research in the field of adolescent issues by Fantini, Weinstein, Pipher & Gilligan.

Academic evaluations of GOTR program participants (conducted on a national level) show:

•Improved self-esteem

•Improved commitment to physical activity

•Increased positive attitude toward exercise

•Increased motivation to be physically active

•Awareness of the value of physical activity

•Satisfaction with body shape

•Increased days of physical activity/week

However, the true success of GOTR is expressed in the words of its past and present participants: "GOTR taught me to respect myself." "I used to be shy, but now I'm not anymore." "I know that whatever I set my mind to do, I can do." "GOTR helps me feel awesome about myself!"