When the participants arrive at the run, they will quickly get signed in and hurry off to the glitter station where they will cover themselves with glitter to match the “Fabulous” theme. Next, the girls will get to spend lots of time with their friends and family taking fun pictures in the photo booth. Before the run begins, the Face the Race participants will warm up with a little Zumba action led by Heather Parsons.
This year we had the incredible opportunity to welcome Alamo and San Jacinto junior highs to the Face the Race program. The staff at both schools were extremely accommodating and supportive. Adding these two schools to Face the Race, which already had a presence at Abell and Goddard junior highs, has allowed us to reach out to all 7th and 8th grade girls attending MISD public schools.
This past summer, our 26 member Face the Race Committee worked diligently to plan this exciting year for our participants. A newly designed session timeline was created allowing for more time to mentor the participants. We also created a new training program that encouraged measureable and attainable running growth. Session topics included discussions on healthy eating, relationships, our bodies, etiquette, career options, personality differences, and bullying.
One of the most exciting things about Face the Race is that every participant that completes the program receives a brand new pair of running shoes, socks, athletic shorts, a Face the Race t-shirt, and gloves. This year, thanks to generous donations from HEB, Patriot Resources, Delaware Basin Resources, Terry’s Kids Shoes, Charger Services, Catalyst Oilfield Services, and The United Way of Midland, we were also able to provide the girls with a spirit jersey, bag, and water bottle.
It is incredibly rewarding to watch our young participants complete this 5K at the end of the program. The growth they make is tremendous. They set goals and are able to accomplish them. Face the Race gives its participants a group to belong to, allows them to discover their potential, encourages a positive sense of empowerment and creates healthy habits that last a lifetime. We are so proud of the 105 participants and all of the hard work and dedication they have put into this program.
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