By Christine Price
Columnist
Amidst all the stress, anxiety, craziness and bad news, my goal is to spotlight and share the good news in our community.
There’s something special about a finish line.
Not because of the clock. Not because of a ranking. But because of what it represents: the quiet, often unseen journey it took to get there.
On Saturday, May 9, more than 1,000 families are expected to gather at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Middleburg Heights for the Girls on the Run Northeast Ohio Spring 5K. At first glance, it may look like any other community race: runners and walkers, cheering spectators, music and medals waiting at the end.
But this one is different.
In fact, what makes this 5K so meaningful has very little to do with race day itself.
For weeks leading up to the event, girls in 3rd-8th grade have been participating in the Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole programs. While there is certainly movement involved, the real work happening goes far beyond physical training.
These girls are learning how to navigate emotions, build confidence and set goals. They’re discovering how to keep going, even when something feels difficult or uncomfortable. They’re practicing resilience – one step, one lesson, one conversation at a time.
By the time they arrive at the starting line, they’re not wondering if they can complete a 5K. They already know they can.
That’s what makes crossing the finish line so powerful.
As 5K Director Erin Mathews shared, the event is where everything comes together. After eight weeks of guidance from volunteer coaches, the girls have developed tools that extend far beyond the course. The lessons are rooted in real life – handling challenges, facing doubts and continuing forward anyway.
And on race day, those lessons come alive.
There are no timers. No official rankings. No pressure to be the fastest.
Participants are encouraged to walk, run, skip or roll at their own pace. The goal isn’t to compete, it’s to finish. To prove to themselves that they can do something that once may have felt out of reach.
For many, it’s a first.
And those kinds of “firsts” have a way of sticking with you.
Of course, no finish line moment happens in isolation. Behind every step is a network of support, and for this event, volunteers are at the heart of it all.
From the coaches who spend weeks building relationships with their teams, to the volunteers handing out water, directing the course or offering high-fives along the way. Each person plays a role in lifting these girls up.
Executive Director Bevin Bowersmith described it simply: every interaction matters. Every encouraging word, every smile, every moment of reassurance helps build confidence in a participant who may still be wondering if she can do this.
Because for many of these girls, doubt is not unfamiliar.
And sometimes, all it takes is someone cheering you on to help you take the next step.
That spirit of support extends beyond individuals to the broader community as well. Events like this don’t happen without strong partnerships, and this year one of those key supporters is Kickstart Accounting Inc., serving as a Pacesetter Sponsor.
Their mission – helping female entrepreneurs grow and succeed – aligns naturally with the goals of Girls on the Run. It’s about removing barriers, building confidence and creating opportunities.
As founder Danielle Hayden noted, the same traits that help someone build a successful business – perseverance, goal-setting, resilience – are the very qualities these girls are developing now.
And those lessons, learned early, have lasting effect.
That effect is especially important when you consider that more than half of this season’s participants required financial assistance to join the program. Thanks to sponsors and community partners, those barriers are being removed, ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to participate, grow and succeed.
For those inspired to get involved, there are plenty of ways to be part of the impact. Businesses interested in sponsoring Girls on the Run northeast Ohio – or individuals looking to register, volunteer or learn more – can visit www.gotrnortheastohio.org/5K. Partnership opportunities are also available by contacting Jen Blatnik directly at jen.blatnik@girlsontherun.org.
Beyond the race itself, the day is designed to be a celebration.
Families and community members are invited to attend, cheer and take part in a morning filled with energy and connection. There will be music, activities for all ages and a lineup of local food vendors adding to the festive atmosphere.
Because while the 5K marks the end of a season, it’s also a celebration of everything that came before it – the hard work, the growth and the courage it takes to keep going.
And maybe that’s what makes this event resonate so deeply.
It’s not about how fast someone crosses the finish line.
It’s about the moment they realize they can.
Because once you’ve done something hard – once you’ve pushed past doubt and reached that finish line – you carry that with you.
Into the next challenge.
And the next.
And the next.
When you see good news, and you will, please let me know. I would love to share it. Please include your name, phone number, city you live in and email.
