Fifty girls will celebrate a successful summer of health and wellness with a 5K Fun Run/Walk, and they’re inviting the public to join them.

“It’s the celebration for achieving a goal that these girls never thought they’d be able to accomplish,” said Community Education Coordinator Teri Wermager.

Austin Public Schools started the More Than Pink program this year, which builds and encourages girls in grades 3-6 to become healthy and strong women, inside and out.

They participated in a variety of physical, emotional and social activities like yoga, running and weekly programs dealing with family, budgeting and puberty.

“[The first year] surpassed all of our wildest expectations,” Wermager said. “It was an amazing program.”

The More Than Pink 5K Fun Run/Walk will celebrate the end of the summer for the program at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 18. Check-in on day of registrations begins at 5:30 p.m.

The race starts and ends at large pavilion at Todd Park near the playground equipment. An awards ceremony for the program participants and volunteer recognition will begin at 7:30 p.m., following the completion of the 5K.

The event is open to the public to register and participate. The cost is $20. Registration can be done by calling 507-460-1706 or online at https://austin.revtrak.net/tek9.asp?pg=ws_redirect&Extra_params=newurl~eventDetail.html%3Fid%3D706346.

Thanks to a successful first year, the More Thank Pink program will return next summer.

“It’s amazing to watch them grow,” Wermager said.