At the end of every Girls on the Run program season, teams participate in a culminating GOTR 5K Celebration. During this event, they employ the skills and confidence they gained through our girl empowerment program. From start to finish, loved ones cheer them on and celebrate their Star Power.
There’s something magical about spotting a loved one on the 5K sidelines, holding a sign made just for you. This visual feels like a warm hug and can turn an ordinary race into an unforgettable moment of love and support. Now imagine the magnitude of this experience for a girl between the ages of 8 and 13.
It’s not just a thoughtful gesture, but a core memory.
Even if her legs are tired and energy is starting to dip, this sight can reignite her spark. Whether the sign is hilarious or heartfelt, it transforms from a poster board to a source of fuel. It becomes a driving force for her to keep pushing and remember that someone believes in her. She recalls everything she has achieved this season and embraces the encouragement of someone who has been rooting for her all along.
Check out these 12 signs from recent spring GOTR 5Ks that unlocked motivation from the sidelines. Enjoy the smiles and screenshot a few ideas for the upcoming fall GOTR 5K!
Girls on the Run Suburban PA
Now this is the sign and face of a proud coach! Beaming with pride, this excited coach held up a colorful handmade sign celebrating East Goshen Elementary’s “Roadrunners” team at the GOTR 5K! By giving every team member a shout-out, this sign reminded girls of the unique impact they each made this season.
Girls on the Run South Louisiana
The sun wasn’t the only source of heat at this 5K! Bursting with color and creativity, this sign emphasized the bright spark of the participant this young cheerleader was supporting. Like the South Louisiana temperature, Esme’s speed, strength, and determination were blazing at the GOTR 5K!
Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina
Positive affirmation 5K signs are classics for a reason. They inspire GOTR 5K participants to keep going, boost their self-esteem, and reassure them they have what it takes to cross the finish line. We love the combination of the uplifting affirmation sign with ‘go girls go’. Plus, the reminder to tag #GOTR5K in photos is a great touch!
Girls on the Run South Louisiana
Sensational Shelby was beaming with joy as she held up a sign her school’s Junior Beta Club made on behalf of her first GOTR 5K! They went above and beyond, creating custom signs for each girl on her team. With every swirl, zigzag, and “#1” scribbled with care, this sweet sign reminded Shelby that she had the power to cross this, and any, finish line!
Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina
A humorous sign is always a day-maker in our books. Who doesn’t panic when our phone is at 1%? We can’t race quickly enough to the nearest charger! This sign represents that speed while offering girls a laugh as they make their way to the finish line.
Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina
This girl power battery was full all day long day at this GOTR Upstate South Carolina 5K! Thank you to this cheer squad for coming prepared with your sign, pom–poms, and positive energy.
Girls on the Run Greater Richmond
Now this is what we call a cheer section! It’s undeniable a ton of heart went into every detail on these four fabulous signs. Some have pictures, some have affirmations, and one has a sketch, but all embrace the same sentiment: GOTR girls are unstoppable and can achieve their goals!
Girls on the Run Western North Carolina
Running like a girl (especially a confident GOTR girl) is the ultimate compliment! With radiant sunbursts surrounding the powerful phrase, this poster emphasizes girl empowerment while playfully nodding to the dads out there trying to keep up!
Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina
These two signs aced the assignment by highlighting practice elements girls learn during the season! “Girls on the Run is so much fun!” Additionally, every season, GOTR participants learn the importance of going at their happy pace—a pace that feels good for them. These two signs offer excellent reminders of the important lessons they learned and how much they’ve grown.
Girls on the Run Union County
PRESS HERE to unlock your inner awesome! This 5K supporter brought the fun and flair with our GOTR-branded sign that’s doubles as a superpower switch. Whether sprinting, walking, or rolling, her message was clear: your STAR POWER is always inside you!
Girls on the Run South Dakota
With bright smiles and a post-run glow, these GOTR 5K participants struck a pose alongside a sign that mixed humor and empowerment. “Sweaty but Slaying” captured the essence of the big day—lacing up, working hard, and owning every moment with confidence! Strong = beautiful and sweat is just a part of the slay!
Girls on the Run Greater Richmond
Positive self-talk is a must-have for the GOTR 5K! Shout-out to these two 5K sideline supporters for bringing such beaming optimism to the 5K. The rain couldn’t dim their Star Power!
Did you make a sign for your GOTR girl, 5K Buddy, or coach? Please send us a DM on Instagram for a chance to be featured!
Interested in getting your girl involved in our afterschool program this fall? Find a council near you!
