Over 1,200 Participants to Celebrate Joy, Confidence, and Strength at Girls on the Run 5K in Spartanburg

Over 1,200 Participants to Celebrate Joy, Confidence, and Strength at Girls on the Run 5K in Spartanburg

Upstate SC’s spring 5K brings together girls, families, and the community for a high-energy celebration of growth and achievement

Spartanburg, SC – On Saturday, April 26, more than 1,200 participants, including over 500 young girls, will take to the course at USC Upstate’s Health Education Complex for the Girls on the Run Upstate SC Spring 5K. This joyful, non-competitive run marks the end of a 10-week season where girls from across the Upstate built skills in confidence, compassion, and connection—while training for a 5K.

“This event is about so much more than running. It’s a celebration of every girl discovering her power and voice,” said Marie McDonald, Council Director of Girls on the Run Upstate SC. “When they cross that finish line, it’s a moment of pride they’ll carry with them for life, and it is such a joy to witness.”

Girls from over 30 schools and community sites across Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson, Greenwood, Laurens, and Pickens counties will participate alongside volunteer coaches, 5K Buddies, and community runners. The course will be supported by over 100 event-day volunteers and more than 130 trained coaches who have mentored teams throughout the season.

With mental health concerns for young girls on the rise, programs like Girls on the Run are more important than ever. According to 2023 CDC data, nearly three in five (57%) U.S. teen girls reported feeling persistently sad or hopeless in 2021. Girls on the Run provides a proactive, research-based curriculum that helps girls develop confidence, connection, and coping skills in a supportive team environment. The 5K is a celebration of everything they’ve learned — and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when girls are empowered to believe in themselves.

This 5K is more than a finish line — it's a launching point for over 500 girls stepping boldly into their strength, their joy, and their limitless potential,” said Savanna James, Chief Marketing Officer of Spartanburg Community College. “In a single morning, we witnessed the kind of transformation that echoes for a lifetime. The impact of this event extends far beyond the race — and SCC is proud to be a sponsor for this kind of organization.

The event is made possible thanks to generous support from community partners — including Spartanburg Community College, Girls on the Run Upstate SC’s highest-level sponsor this season, along with ScanSource, Cigna Healthcare, Bon Secours, Greenville Liberty, BMW Group, and Contec. Their contributions ensure every girl has access to this life-changing experience.

Community members are encouraged to register as runners or volunteers to be part of this inspiring event. All proceeds help Girls on the Run provide scholarships and ensure every girl who wants to participate can.

To register, volunteer, or learn more, visit www.gotrupstatesc.org.

About Girls on the Run

Much more than a running program, Girls on the Run inspires girls in 3rd – 8th grades to recognize their inner strength and celebrate what makes them one of a kind. Trained coaches lead small teams through a 10-week curriculum that includes dynamic discussions, activities and fun running games. 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.