Girls on the Run in Biltmore Park

On Saturday, May 23rd, Biltmore Park Town Square will literally be overrun with participants and supporters of the Western North Carolina branch of Girls on the Run, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting self-respect and healthy living in youg girls. As the culminating event for a 14-week program, girls and mentors will participate in a 5K race that will follow a course through the residential neighborhood of Biltmore Park.

Molly Barker, founder of Girls on the Run and four-time Hawaii Ironman triathlete, will kick off the day with a welcoming speech, followed by Tim "T-Bone" Arem, who will lead runners in warm-up exercises. Other special guests will include the Dimeasaurus from Asheville Savings Bank and a balloon artist. While attending the event, don't forget to stop by Perk's for a mid-morning pick me up, peruse the merchandise at REI, or schedule your next spa appointment at Sensibilities. You may even want to try Brixx Wood Fired Pizza or P.F. Chang's for a post-race celebration lunch. There is always something new happening at Biltmore Park Town Square, and in conjunction with an event encouraging healthy living, Saturday will be a better time than any to explore the town center, which is quickly becoming a must-see destination in Asheville for entertainment, restaurants, and real estate.

Founded in 1996, Girls on the Run today is a large organization, serving more than 150 cities across North America. In Western North Carolina, the spring 2009 season included 36 sites and 841 participants. The program combines health education, life skills development, mentoring, and physical training in order to encourage healthy habits, preparing participants for a lifetime of confidence, pride, and self-respect. If you want to be involved, it's not too late to sign up as a Running Buddy–just visit www.setupevents.com