Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay partners with UnitedHealthcare

Photo: Girls on the Run participants and other local runners take off at the start of the annual UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K celebration race. The December race is open to the public and raises money for the non-profit after-school life skills and 5K training program held at 48 Tampa region elementary school.

Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay announced UnitedHealthcare will serve as presenting partner for the fall 2018 Girls on the Run season and 5K celebration race.

The 10-week, after-school 5K and life-skills training program will benefit more than 750 third- through fifth-grade girls attending 48 elementary schools from Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas and Sarasota counties. UnitedHealthcare’s support includes funding more than 20 program scholarships for girls and schools based on financial need.

The Girls on the Run training sessions teach life skills through dynamic interactive lessons and running games that build confidence through accomplishment while establishing a lifetime appreciation of health and fitness. Each session culminates with the girls being physically and emotionally prepared to complete the UnitedHealthcare Girls on the Run 5K, a celebratory race held at Poynter Park in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla., Saturday, Dec. 8.

Research study findings

Findings from an independent study show the Girls on the Run program has a significant impact on girls’ lives, with 97 percent learning critical life skills and 85 percent showing improved confidence, competence, caring, character or connection. The girls who were the least active at the start of the program demonstrated a more than 40 percent increase in physical activity.

“Our partnership with UnitedHealthcare enables Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay to support girls and schools with financial need to participate as well as provide a fun, scenic and inspiring 5K race series,” said Laura Moore, executive director of Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay. “The partnership is an ideal fit given UnitedHealthcare’s commitment to wellness and supporting community-based programs that educate youth and families about the benefits of healthy living and exercise.”

“UnitedHealthcare is grateful for the opportunity to support Girls on the Run Greater Tampa Bay,” said Greg Reidy, CEO, UnitedHealthcare of Florida. “This after-school program teaches important lifestyle choices that motivate and empower girls to live healthier lives.”

In Florida, UnitedHealthcare serves more than 3.4 million people with a care provider network of 270 hospitals and more than 56,000 physicians statewide.