5K Celebration - Confidence through Accomplishment

5K Celebration

Confidence through
Accomplishment

Each season comes to an end with a celebratory 5K. This closing event gives program participants of all abilities a tangible sense of accomplishment. Crossing the finish line instills confidence through completion and is a joyful moment program participants always remember! Everyone in our program receives a commemorative medal to celebrate this incredible achievement.

5K Celebration

Confidence through
Accomplishment

5K Event Details

Event
Fall Season Celebratory 5K
Date
November 21, 2026
Location

Smale Riverfront Park

Time

7:30 am Event, Registration and Fun Zone Open

9:00 am 5K Start

See "Additional Information" below for details about packet pick-up, accessibility, and more.

Price

Registration Type: Price: 7 yrs and under Price: yrs 8 and Up
Early Bird through 10/21 $35 $40
5K Registration 10/22 - 11/20 $40 $45
5K day 11/21 $45 $50

The 5K Event Guide will be available here at the end of October. If you have already registered, it will be sent to you before the event.

PACKET PICKUP

  • OPTION 1: Friday, November 20, 10AM-6PM at Fleet Feet Oakley, 235 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209.
  • OPTION 2: Saturday, November 21,  beginning at 7:30 AM at the 5K event.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

  • Participation in the 5K is open to all abilities - runners, walkers, and adaptive athletes.
  • The course is open long enough for walkers to comfortably finish. Most participants do a mix of running and walking, or they walk the entire way. We encourage everyone to find their happy pace!
  • Adaptive athletes: we want you to join us! GOTR has partnered with The Bridge Adaptive Sports & Recreation to make available a limited number of handcycles, recumbent cycles, and track chairs, as well as support before, during, and after the 5K. Please email Audrey Van Auken with interest (mailto:Audrey@TheBridgeAdaptive.org). Note that this is a non-timed event. 
  • Sensory needs: we have a limited number of sensory kits available for attendees who may be overwhelmed by the noise and activity. The kits include noise cancelling headphones, a social story showing what to expect at the event, and other tools that may help attendees be more comfortable. These are available at the Coach Table along Mehring Way.
  • Quiet area: there is also a quiet area with activities on the east side of the bridge, close to registration. All attendees that want a break from the noise of the event are welcome.
  • Social Story: We've created a girl-centered social story designed to help participants feel prepared and confident on 5K day. Using clear, supportive language, it walks through what to expect - from arrival to the finish line - including what will happen, what choices they will have, and how they might feel along the way. Social stories are especially helpful for children with sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or processing differences, but they can be a reassuring tool for any child who benefits from structured, visual guidance. You can view the social story here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IKRwTqWKJ3oQogp5F4vSnQzT4-jZV1-c/view?usp=sharing
  • Nursing and changing tent: there is a tent by the registration table underneath the bridge for those needing some extra privacy. 

 

WHO SHOULD REGISTER?
Everyone is invited to participate! This event is open to the public. Sign up the whole family and be active together.

 

WEATHER POLICY

Safety is always our top priority and we want you to be informed.  If you are participating in 5K Celebration please educate yourself on all of our safety and weather policies below.
 
Always be sure to check our social media and emails for the most current weather related updates regarding the 5K Celebration, but in general these are our weather policies:

Cold and Inclement Weather Policy

We will cancel the 5K if the following weather related dangers are present:

Extreme cold and/or wind
Actual temperature is 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below
Windchill temperature is at or below 0 degrees Fahrenheit
Thunderstorms with lightning are forecasted during 5K set-up or run/walk
Ice storms, hail storms, blizzards, extremely low visibility
Poor air quality that creates an unhealthy exposure

We will NOT cancel the 5K if it is simply raining or snowing under typical seasonal conditions. 

Hot Weather Policy

We will cancel the 5K if the following weather related dangers are present:

Extreme heat - heat index in excess of 100
Thunderstorms with lightning are forecasted furing 5K set-up or run/walk
High winds or tornado warnings
Hail storms, dust storms, extremely low visibility
Poor air quality that creates an unhealthy exposure

We will NOT cancel the 5K if it is simply raining. 

 

 

Volunteers help ensure our end of season 5K celebration is possible. Interested in volunteering at our upcoming 5K event? Register to volunteer today! 

We need volunteers for the following activities to ensure our event is a success! 

  • Set-up and Tear Down
  • Course Marshalls
  • Water Stops
  • Cheer Zones
  • Fun Zone-Happy Hair, Tiaras, Sign Making, Tattoos
  • Green Team
  • Start/Finish

Note: All volunteers appointed through our council will undergo a GOTR background check.

5K Volunteer Role Descriptions

 

Adult 5K participant smiles while running outdoors through the city

5K FAQs

Email Us - 5K

Interested in sponsoring our council’s programs,
5K or a future event?

Email Us

Join us for our 5K

Two Girls on the Run Coaches smile while running

Join us for our 5K!

Not a coach or a Girls on the Run participant?  
Register to join our 5K event!