Caring About Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run is described as a life-changing, non-profit prevention program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grade. 

Participants are challenged through a 20-lesson curriculum that combines training for a 5K (3.1 Miles) running event with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions.  Members of the Caravus team and their families led by Beth Sprenger and Hillary Downs volunteered this past Saturday at the program's culmination 5K run. 

The Caravus team helped setup and manage the lone water station for all 6,500 runners.  It was a gorgeous spring morning and although the distribution of water only lasted 25 minutes, the preparation and clean-up was intense.  We arrived on Compton Avenue in downtown St. Louis between Harris Stowe and Chiafetz Arena at 7:30 AM with limited time to organize and mobilize. 

In less than 90 minutes, the team transformed an empty city street into a well prepared water station with tables double stacked carrying over 6,500 water filled cups.  Traffic logistics even required the team to carry the already filled tables clear across five lanes of traffic...with zero cup casualties!  All of the work was put into perspective as soon as the stream of smiling faces gleaming with pride rounded the corner.  It was clear the participants were enjoying themselves and were proud of their accomplishment.  We were proud to play a small role in their achievement. 

A big thanks to Hillary Downs and Beth Sprenger for organizing the volunteers and helping Caravus give back to the wonderful community it serves.