The fourth annual Jingle Bell 5K was held in Parsons, WV on Saturday, December 6th. Girls and their families came from four elementary schools — Kasson, Tucker Valley, Davis-Thomas and 3rd Ward — to share the experience of running and walking a 5K (3.1 mile) race with the local community.
Despite relentless rain, girls and their families showed up in great numbers, along with dedicated community members and coaches. Runners and supporters alike experienced the elation of running in the rain, splashing in the puddles and accomplishing goals.
Excitement was high before the start with girls stretching, running around, flipping cartwheels, coloring hair and decorating bib numbers. Through continuous driving rain and enormous puddles, the girls challenged themselves and supported each other to the finish line. Emotions exploded at the finish with celebrations, hugs and even a few tears. But over cups of hot chocolate and homemade soup, smiles of satisfaction and joy were everywhere.
The mission of Girls on the Run is is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The community 5K is the culmination of the 10-12 week program. Alongside the girls currently taking part were numerous alumni of the program and several like-aged boys also challenging themselves.
Joel Wolpert and Lexie Morici took first place overall honors for the men and women in times of 16:54 and 21:50, respectively. The City of Parsons and the Parsons VFD make it possible to put on this uplifting and inspiring event year after year. Many thanks as well to Mimi Kibler for donating fresh bread for after-race snacks.
For complete race results, photos and more information about the Girls on the Run program, visit mountainstategotr.org.
