Let this information guide you for the big event!
Celebratory 5K Family Guide
Central Arkansas Fall 2024
Each Girls on the Run (GOTR) season concludes with a joyful and fun non-competitive 5K. This culmination gives girls a tangible sense of accomplishment and the confidence to achieve her dreams. We look forward to you joining this fall’s end-of-season 5K to celebrate the accomplishments of your GOTR participant, as well as participants across central Arkansas!
Here are the details of this fall’s 5K event:
· Date: Sunday, November 24, 2024
· Location: Murray Park, Pavilions 1 & 2, 5900 Rebsamen Park Road, Little Rock
· Start Time: 1:30, 5K will begin at 3 pm
· End Time: 4:30 pm
How to Register:
5K Buddies can scan the QR Code register to run, walk, skip, hop or roll the 5K or click here: Running Buddy Registration.
Important Reminder: Program participants do not need to be registered for the 5K - the 5K is already included in their program registration. 5K registration is only for Running Buddies.
What is a Running Buddy?
Every participant is required to have a 5K Buddy for the 5K. A 5K Buddy ensures each participant’s safety and provides encouraging support throughout the 5K.
5K Buddies must be 16 or older and may be a family member, caregiver, teacher, coach or another trusted person. 5K Buddies do not need to be runners but should be able to complete the 5K (3.1 miles) and keep pace with their GOTR participant. All 5K Buddies must register for the event. If you have asked someone else to be your child’s Running Buddy, please share this information with them and be sure that they register! There is no onsite registration on race day.
Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring appropriate supervision for each participant before, during, and after the 5K.
What if I cannot participate and am unable to find a 5K Buddy for my GOTR participant?
We would be happy to help you find one! We have special volunteers (18 years or older) who sign up to serve as 5K Buddies with a participant during the 5K. These volunteers are required to complete a background check before the event. Please let your Girls on the Run coach know by November 11 if you’d like your participant to be matched up with a community 5K Buddy.
Can family and friends come to the 5K to cheer, or do they have to register for the 5K to attend?
Spectators are invited to bring their positive posters, cheer gear, and joyful spirit! Anyone who would like to support, encourage, and cheer on the runners is welcome to attend – no registration is needed for spectators.
How do I pick up my 5K packet?
5K t-shirts will be distributed to Girls on the Run participants at a practice session prior to the 5K. Race bibs will be distributed to girls on race day. They will have an opportunity to personalize them before the run!
Running Buddies will be able to pick up their 5K shirt on-site on 5K day. Changing tents are available. Be sure to arrive by 2:30 to ensure you are prepared prior to the 5K start time, 3 pm.
What do I wear on 5K day?
On 5K day, GOTR participants should wear their 5K t-shirts, their running bib (distributed on race day), athletic clothing, and running shoes. 5K Buddies should wear their 5K shirt, athletic clothing, and running shoes.
Dress for the weather! The 5K will be held rain or shine. If it’s cold, consider wearing gloves, a hat, and a jacket. If it’s raining, bring a raincoat or poncho that you can run in. If it’s warm, wear breathable clothing.
What parking options are available?
There is parking available at Murray Park. Use the main entrance to Murray Park Boat Ramp and Soccer Complex. Trolley service from this parking area to the starting line near Pavilions 1 & 2 will be available throughout the event.
What’s in the Sparkle Zone?
At the Sparkle Zone we’ll have 5K check-in for volunteers and Running Buddies, t-shirt pick-up and changing tents, team meeting spots as well as race bib decoration, GOTR temporary tattoos, Happy Hair Station, GOTR photo booth, giveaways, warmups, and more!
How do we meet our team before the start of the 5K?
We have designated spots where you’ll be able to find your team. Look for the yard sign with your team site name. Let your coaches know that you have arrived and then enjoy the Sparkle Zone activities before meeting your team again before the 3 pm start time.
What is the 5K course?
Runners will line up behind the Girls on the Run Arch for a group warm up. As the run begins, runners follow the Arkansas River Trail west toward the Big Dam Bridge, proceed over the bridge, turn around at the water stop on the north side of the river and return via the Big Dam Bridge to the finish line (same as the starting line). The Arkansas River Trail and Big Dam Bridge remain open to the public and 5K participants should share the trail with courtesy and caution, staying to the right and looking out for bicycles, pedestrians and strollers.
Bathrooms will be available at the start/finish line area and at the base of the Big Dam Bridge on both sides. Water stops will also be at the base of the Big Dam Bridge on both sides and at the finish line.
What should I do if my daughter and I get separated during the 5K?
Prior to the start of the 5K, determine a meeting location with your child of where you will meet after completing the 5K course. If you are at the meeting spot and you do not see your child by the time you’d expect, please head to the DJ tent. The DJ will make an announcement on the speaker for your daughter to meet you.
What happens if there is bad weather?
The 5K will be held rain or shine! However, event management reserves the right to cancel or modify the event due to dangerous or unfavorable conditions.
In the event of needing to cancel the 5K for participant safety, notification will be sent to all participants and registered 5K Buddies via email and text message (if you opted into receiving text message updates from our council).
Questions?
If you have any questions about the 5K, please contact Girls on the Run Central Arkansas at kathleen.vanlierop@girlsontherun.org or (501)519-7739.
Thank you to our 5K Event Sponsors!
Our local sponsors and National Partners make crossing the finish line possible.