Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia Annual Spring 5K To Take Place At Mosaic

WASHINGTON, Dec. 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia announced today that the annual Girls on the Run Spring 2014 5K celebration will take place at Mosaic in Fairfax, Virginia, an EDENS development, on Saturday, May 17, 2014.  The 5K celebration is the capstone achievement for the girls who participate in the 12-week curriculum-based Girls on the Run program.  It brings together families, neighbors, community supporters, and local schools to support the girls in their quest for self-esteem and healthy living.   Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia (GOTR NOVA) is a non-profit organization committed to promoting positive self image and healthy social, emotional, and physical behaviors among the young girls of Northern Virginia.

GOTR NOVA offers an after-school program for young girls in 3^rd – 5^th grade entitled Girls on the Run, and a program for girls in 6^th – 8^th grade entitled Girls on Track.  The interactive Girls on the Run curriculum is designed to provide every girl with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to recognize her inner strength, make new friends and build confidence.  The Girls on Track curriculum targets challenges and issues many middle-school girls face everyday, empowering them to make thoughtful and healthy decisions.  At the end of both programs, the girls join together to participate in a celebratory 5K run that brings together the community to support their achievements.

Girls on The Run NOVA delivers its program to over 3,000 girls each season at more than 150 schools all across Northern Virginia, reaching over 6,000 girls each year.  The 12-week program includes twice-weekly lessons led by trained female coaches who teach the girls lessons on important topics such as bullying, gossiping, self-confidence, and adopting a healthy lifestyle.

The GOTR NOVA Spring 5K will begin in the heart of the Mosaic shopping District at 8:30 a.m. and take the runners on a scenic route through the local community before ending back at the Mosaic District for a community-focused celebration.  "The support of Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia offered by the Mosaic District will go a long way towards making our Spring 5K a real community-based event for our girls and their families. They are a true partner who understands the importance of supporting the girls of Northern Virginia in their quest for self-confidence and a healthy lifestyle," said Catherine Keightley, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia.

Recognized with 22 "Best of DC Shopping" awards since opening last fall, Mosaic has been curated to reflect the intellect and sophistication of the community.  Mosaic is a collection of the finest local fashion boutiques and restaurants coupled with premier national retailers and Angelika Film Center. 

To celebrate race and welcome Girls on the Run to their new venue, on Saturday, December 7, 2013, Mosaic will be playing clips from the fall race on the outdoor screen at the top of every hour from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

For more information about Mosaic, please visit www.mosaicdistrict.com.  For more information about Girls On The Run, please visit www.gotrnova.org. 

About Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia:
Established in 2001, Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia (GOTR NOVA) began its after school program with 27 girls. Through interactive activities such as running, playing games, and discussing important issues, the girls learn how to celebrate being girls and to honor their own voices. Led by trained female coaches who guide and mentor the girls through a curriculum-based program, the girls are empowered with greater self-awareness, a sense of achievement, and a foundation in team building to help them become strong, contented, and self-confident young women. During the program, the girls train together to walk or run a celebratory 5K.

Over the past 12 years, GOTR NOVA has served over 40,000 girls in Northern Virginia. GOTR
NOVA is an Independent Council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of over 200 chapters across the United States and Canada serving tens of thousands of girls. For more information on Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia visit www.gotrnova.org or call 703-273-3153.

SOURCE EDENS