GOTR Memphis recently held its largest 5K ever this past November, with over 600 people coming out to run, walk, and support at Overton Park and celebrate all our girls accomplished this past season. The success of our 5K would not have been possible without our fantastic community partners and volunteers who work throughout the season to plan, set-up, and execute a fun, efficient, and safe event.

One of the volunteers who helped make this 5K so spectacular was Lisa Monger, Lead Trainer of 901 FitLife and emcee of our 5K celebrations. Monger has been a staple volunteer at our 5Ks for several years now.

When asked why she continues to volunteer with GOTR Memphis, Monger wrote, 

“I continue to volunteer with Girls on the Run Memphis because of the incredible dedication and hard work of the staff and volunteers. Their commitment to mentoring and preparing the girls for their 5K race is truly inspiring. Being a part of this supportive community and witnessing the positive impact on the girls' lives motivates me to stay involved.”

Her favorite 5K memory comes from her own experience participating as a 5K Buddy before she took on her role as emcee. She said listening to the girls on the course cemented the importance of Girls on the Run as an organization to her.

“Hearing them cheer each other on with phrases like ‘you can do it’ and ‘hold my hand,’ along with the many hugs shared, made the experience unforgettable.”

Another volunteer who contributed to the success of the 5K this fall was Hannah Papa, a volunteer who took her role as the course crossing guard in stride. Papa first got involved as a substitute coach for GOTR in 2023 before joining our 5K planning committee for both spring and fall 2024. 

“I had the best time volunteering and cheering on the girls at the GOTR 5K,” Papa said. “It was truly inspiring to see their faces light up as we cheered them on. It gave me all the feels and was a beautiful reminder of how important it is for everyone to have cheerleaders in their lives saying, ‘You can do this!’”

Papa believes that the 5K is just one way to see how much a program like Girls on the Run impacts youth in Memphis. “GOTR goes beyond running, helping girls build confidence, resilience, and a sense of empowerment. Seeing the girls realize their potential and celebrate their accomplishments is incredibly rewarding and I am so grateful to be part of the GOTR community.”

Without volunteers like Monger and Papa, Girls on the Run would not be able to offer our program to over 150 girls every season at sites throughout the 901. We’ve been able to positively impact the next generation of women in 36 different zip codes, and we’re just getting started! We are so grateful for all the dedicated community supporters like Monger and Papa who empower girls year-round and cannot wait to see how GOTR continues to grow in 2025.