With masks on and capes flapping, 10 girls from Greenwood Elementary will accompany a group of grade school girls dressed as Seattle’s everyday superheroes as they fly across the finish line at the New Balance Girls on the Run 5K next weekend.

The event will be hosted at Warren G. Magnuson Park on Sunday, June 7 at 9 a.m. Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization that operates an after-school fitness and empowerment program for pre-teen girls.

“It's a 10 week program and the girls meet twice a week with their volunteer coaches that facilitate the curriculum,” said Amber Swim, program coordinator for Girls on the Run. “They build up their endurance to run or walk the 5K at the end.”

The girls train together to walk or run the non-competitive 3.1 mile event which takes place at the end of the 10 weeks.

Established in 1996 by Molly Barker in Charlotte, N.C., it has spread across the nation, opening up a council in Puget Sound in 2002 founded by Jeannie Higgins.

The program utilizes the power of running to provide 3rd through 5th grade girls the chance to celebrate their bodies; honor their voices; recognize their gifts and activate their power, according to the organization Web site.

“It’s an inspiring event and this year it's hero themed because it adds to the fun aspect of it,” said Swim. “It’s a family oriented event and it’s not timed, non-competitive. Strollers and dogs are allowed and it’s a great time to celebrate your accomplishment of finishing a 5K whether you’re running or walking.”

The goal of Girls on the Run is to give pre-teen girls the confidence to get through the personal and social bumps in the road that come along as they’re growing up, said Swim.

This fall, Girls on the Run of Puget Sound has plans to start the program at Loyal Heights Elementary.

To help volunteer at this years event contact Casey Dillon at 528-2118.