Girls on the Run finale, mental health walk and safety fair set for May 30

WENATCHEE — A spring tradition centered on encouragement, movement and community connection will return to Walla Walla Point Park later this month as local organizations team up for a day focused on youth achievement, mental health awareness and summer safety.

Girls on the Run Columbia Valley, partnering with NAMI NCW, the Wenatchee Police Department, the Chelan-Douglas Health District and the City of Wenatchee, will host a combined 5K, awareness walk and family safety fair on May 30 at the park.

The event will serve as the season finale for Girls on the Run participants from Wenatchee, East Wenatchee, Chelan and Leavenworth, who will complete a celebratory 5K after spending the spring building confidence, resilience and healthy habits through the program.

At the same time, NAMI NCW’s “Stomp the Stigma” walk will bring attention to mental health awareness and support for recovery resources and education programs in North Central Washington.

Organizers say the day is meant to feel less like a race and more like a community gathering. Along with the run and walk, families can expect music, dancing, interactive booths, food vendors and hands-on activities for children throughout the day.

The Wenatchee Police Department and Chelan-Douglas Health District will also host demonstrations and educational activities focused on summer safety, including water safety, bike safety and basic first aid. Free bike helmets and other safety gear will be distributed while supplies last.

Pre-event festivities will include stretching, team cheers and recognition ceremonies for Girls on the Run participants before runners and walkers head out on the course. Community members are encouraged to participate alongside the students, and families may walk or run together. Dogs are also welcome on the route.

You can register for the Girls on the Run 5K at https://www.pinwheel.us/r/eyx7UdL and for the NAMI NCW Stomp the Stigma Walk at https://www.namiwalks.org/ncwa.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 30, at Walla Walla Point Park in Wenatchee.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media