BERRIEN SPRINGS — The Girls on the Run Southwest Michigan 5K will celebrate the end of the season with two 5Ks presented by United Federal Credit Union.

The first 5K will take place at 6 p.m. May 17, at Berrien County Youth Fairgrounds for the girls participating in Berrien County. The second 5K will take place at 6 p.m. June 1, at Decatur High School Stadium for girls participating in Van Buren, Cass and St. Joseph counties.

Girls on the Run is a character development program that seeks to prepare third to eighth grade girls for a 5K event along with helping them develop key life skills. The program takes place across the U.S. and has been inspiring girls to recognize their limitless potential for more than 20 years.

The volunteer-led teams meet twice a week throughout the season and participate in lessons that foster the girls’ confidence, help them build connections with their peers, encourage a meaningful contribution to their community through a service project, and prepare to run a 5K.

The celebratory 5K is a noncompetitive event that seeks to provide the girls with a goal to work toward during the season and shows them that the finish line is just the beginning when it comes to going after their dreams.

Girls on the Run Southwest Michigan hosts one of the largest 5K events in the area. Both 5k’s are non-competitive and open to the public. The cost to participate is $30. Early arrival is suggested. For more information about the events, how to register to run and volunteer opportunities, visit www.gotrswmi.org. Questions, contact Julie Bos at julie.bos@girlsontherun.org or 269-281-4277.

Girls on the Run has served over 1.2 million girls since its inception in 1996. To learn more about Girls on the Run visit girlsontherun.org.