Two Girls on the Run groups from Hartland joined 1,800 girls from across metro Detroit in a Nov. 20 run that ended on the 50-yard line at Eastern Michigan University's Rynearson Stadium.

"It was amazing," said Coach Krista Zvoch. "All our girls finished and that is the goal. No one takes time for this run. The goal is to finish, whether you are running, hopping, skipping or jumping across the finish line — it doesn't matter, just as long as you finish."

Preparing for the 5K run is one of the main goals during the 10-program where girls from ages 8-14 meet twice weekly for 60-90 minutes. Practices consist of a healthy snack, some discussion, fun warm-up/team building games and running.

The program — which has teams at Farms Intermediate and Creekside Elementary schools — focuses on self-awareness, self-esteem, anti-bullying, and health and wellness.

In addition, all the girls do a community service project. For example, the Farms team are making holiday cards to send to military stationed overseas.