Girls on the Run Michiana hosts 5k run in South Bend today!

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Girls on the Run Michiana kicks off its 5k run today at Potawatomi Park in South Bend.

Hundreds of 3rd, 4th and 5th grade girls participated in an 8-week long program aimed at empowering girls, helping them build confidence and inner strength, and increasing their level of physical activity.

Exercises are paired with empowering activities for the girls, and it all serves to prepare them for the 5k Celebration at the end of the program.

Girls and their coaches run 3.1 miles to celebrate all that they've learned and accomplished, while family, friends and other community members cheer them on from the sidelines.

All girls who complete the 5k will receive a commemorative medal to mark the achievement.

Girls on the Run Executive Director, Amy Cooper Collier and a local Girls on the Run member share a bit more about what today means to them and what they took away from the 8-week program.

For more information, visit the Girls on the Run Michiana website!