The Girls on the Run spring 5K is the culmination of months of training for girls, age 8-12. The event was held at Tinseltown in Jacksonville following the RITA CASH 5K. Sunshine broke through at the start of the run, making for a warm and humid morning... but fortunately the clouds reasserted themselves about halfway through. Hundreds of girls from throughout North Florida, including Fernandina Beach and Nassau County, ran with their volunteer coaches and running buddies. GOTR is a not-for-profit organization that teaches good health and self-esteem through running. The run is noncompetitive.

With an escort from the police and the UNF Osprey, the 5K gets under way.

A throng of runners heads out to begin the event.

Teddi Lesoine of Fernandina Beach and her running buddy Marc Demeter are the first to cross the finish line. Both are members of Amelia Island Runners..

Reaching the finish is a big -- and happy -- achievement!

Ceris and Emma Feakes, AIR members who were volunteers for the 5K, celebrate a successful event.

The young runners thanked their volunteer coaches and "running buddies" with a group hug.