Girls on the Run of Central New Jersey (GOTRCNJ) held its first Virtual 5K, with program participants, family and friends from 43 states joining in the three-day event.
From July 31 through Aug. 2, registrants completed the 5K on their time and in their own place.
Race donations and sponsorships of more than $13,000 will go to the GOTRCNJ Scholarship Fund for girls in low income communities who otherwise would not be able to take part in the program.
“Although the Spring 2020 season was cancelled due to COVID-19, GOTRCNJ was still committed to host a 5K virtually with our girls, in an effort to help equip them to navigate these uncertain times with more confidence, resilience and strength. Forward is a pace the GOTR participants learn through program lessons and that definitely is a pace we can help set for our girls,” Program Director Donna York said in a prepared statement.
Sponsors were HARK-ALS, Inc., Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems, Merrill – A Bank of America Company, and the Waldele Family Foundation.
Girls on the Run of Central NJ is a nonprofit organization serving Somerset, Middlesex, Monmouth, Camden and Ocean counties. Over the course of the 10-week program, girls in grades 3-8 develop essential skills to help them navigate their worlds and establish a lifetime appreciation for health and fitness. The program culminates with girls positively impacting their communities through a service project and being physically and emotionally prepared to complete a celebratory 5K event at three locations: Somerville, Fair Haven and Toms River. GOTRCNJ will hold a Fall 2020 Virtual Program. For more information, visit www.gotrcnj.org or email [email protected].