This will be my first race event of this kind and size, deciding to start with the 8K run (on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 23). Running has always been something that I enjoyed; I competed for a short time in cross country and track and field in high school. But I also feel intimidated by it, and for that reason I think has discouraged me from a consistent daily/weekly plan and especially events like these. I’m looking forward to the commitment and the release of seeing this 8K through, from training to finish line. And it seemed like a no brainer to run with the goal of supporting a local organization doing thankless work long after race weekend concludes. Girls on the Run is one of these groups, through their program benefitting so many 3rd through 8th grade girls in Philadelphia. While not having personally worked with the group’s local chapter, I have seen through a close friend who has volunteered the type of impact that comes with dedicating time to building and providing positive experiences for these girls. I also think about my younger sister who just started her first year of high school and how helpful the program can be in self discovery and confidence at a young age. You can find more stats about the impact of Girls on the Run here: https://www.gotrphiladelphia.org/Our-Impact I appreciate any consideration of and donation toward my goal for this important group!