WORCESTER, Mass. - Girls on the Run Worcester County held their annual 5K at Polar Park in Worcester on Sunday.
The organization helps teach girls life skills in third through eighth grade. The afterschool program meets twice a week for 10 weeks.
It integrates running, but also focuses on the social and emotional development of the girls.
More than 650 participants gathered for the race, which celebrates the completion of this year’s program.
"We're really trying to empower girls to really find their voice to be honest,” said Executive Director Karen Spencer. “To be able to speak up for themselves and just really be themselves, find out who they really are and not be afraid to put that out into the world.”
Girls on the Run will have another program in the fall, which will culminate in another 5K road race held at a different location in Worcester.
Many of the girls on Sunday said it was their first time running a road race.