‘It’s the most wonderful time of the year.’ While this song, made popular by Andy Williams in 1963, was intended for the holiday season, its title could also refer to the feeling at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds a few Saturdays ago.

The reason for this excitement was the annual 5K event for the WestSound chapter of Girls on the Run. Hundreds of 3rd through 5th grade girls, along with their family members, their coaches, and dozens of volunteers, arrived at the fairgrounds to celebrate the end of their season. And their enthusiasm was well-earned. These girls had been training for this day for several months, making it the perfect culmination of a season full of hard work, determination, and a whole lot of fun.

Girls on the Run WestSound serves Kitsap, Mason, and Pierce counties. Each county was well represented at the event, where music played in the background, face paint was a hit, and the potential for new friends was limitless.

Founded in 1996, Girls on the Run is a national non-profit organization that inspires girls to embrace their inner strength and make meaningful connections with others. Participants learn valuable skills, such as teamwork and goal setting, while boosting their confidence and cultivating a love for running.

One youngster who benefited tremendously from Girls on the Run was Arya Sowers, a 5th grader from Green Mountain Elementary. Arya’s mom, Kristina, who was her running buddy at the 5K event, had heard about Girls on the Run WestSound and thought it would be an excellent fit for her. Arya had never played team sports before, so it was understandable that she was a bit apprehensive at the start of the season.

Arya’s growth over the two-month season was profound. She was initially nervous about the after-school practices, but within a couple of weeks, she couldn’t wait for Girls on the Run days. Arya made new friends, adored her coaches, and felt a deep sense of accomplishment as the season drew to a close. She had a huge smile as she crossed the finish line at the 5K event, proudly donning her medal for the rest of the day. Her mom, who had never been a runner before this season, had such a good time that she is now looking for more running races for them to do together.

Stories like these are the reason why Jane Duea, executive director at Girls on the Run WestSound, does what she does. Duea has seen firsthand the immense physical, mental, and emotional benefits that the program can have on girls in their formative years. Girls on the Run WestSound has grown in popularity during Duea’s tenure, to the point that the end-of-year 5K event now features morning and afternoon races to accommodate the increasing number of participants.

With a strong group of program managers, board members, coaches, volunteers, and sponsors, Girls on the Run WestSound appears poised to continue providing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to area girls. To sign up for next year’s season, visit the Girls on the Run WestSound website. Registration opens in January of 2026.

Dr. Jordan Duncan is from Kitsap County and writes a monthly health column for Kitsap News Group. He is the owner of Silverdale Sport & Spine.