Girls on the Run 5K Somerville Presented by The Waldele Family Foundation: A Celebration of Empowerment and Community

The day after Thanksgiving brought more than just leftover turkey and holiday cheer to Somerville, NJ—it brought 967 determined runners, joggers, and walkers to the Girls on the Run 5K Somerville Presented by The Waldele Family Foundation. On November 23rd, 2025, the streets of Somerville came alive with the energy of young athletes, supportive families, and community members united in celebrating confidence, character, and the transformative power of running.

A Perfect Day for Running in Somerville

The atmosphere at this year's Girls on the Run 5K was nothing short of electric. As participants gathered at the starting line, the excitement was palpable—from first-time 5K runners to seasoned racers, everyone shared the same sense of purpose. The event showcased the very best of what makes the Girls on the Run program so special: empowering young people through running while building confidence and encouraging service to the community.

Tristate Timing was proud to provide professional race timing services for this meaningful event, ensuring accurate results for every single participant who crossed the finish line. Our commitment to precision timing technology meant that each runner's achievement was captured and celebrated, from the fastest finisher to the participant who took their time to savor every step of the journey.

Outstanding Performances at the Front of the Pack

While the Girls on the Run 5K emphasizes participation and personal achievement over competition, several runners delivered impressive performances that deserve recognition. Atticus Wood claimed the top overall finishing position with an outstanding time of 20:05.64, demonstrating exceptional speed and endurance on the Somerville course.

Close behind, Bethany Howell secured second place overall with a remarkable 22:08.25, proving that dedication and training pay off. In an incredibly tight race for third place, Cole Johnson rounded out the podium with a time of 22:09.75—just 1.5 seconds behind Howell in what must have been an exciting sprint to the finish line.

These top finishers represent the competitive spirit that exists alongside the program's emphasis on personal growth and achievement. Their performances set an inspiring example for younger participants who may be running their very first 5K race.

Impressive Participation Numbers Tell a Story

The numbers from this year's event paint a picture of tremendous community engagement and the widespread impact of the Girls on the Run program. With 967 total finishers crossing the timing mats, the event demonstrated the strong support for youth development programs in Somerville and the surrounding areas.

The gender breakdown revealed the inclusive nature of the event:

• 667 female participants represented the strong core of the Girls on the Run program
• 188 male participants showed that the event welcomes supporters, family members, and allies
• 112 participants chose not to specify gender, reflecting the event's welcoming and inclusive atmosphere

These statistics showcase how the Girls on the Run 5K has evolved beyond a simple running event into a true community gathering that brings together people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. The nearly 1,000 finishers represent not just runners, but families, coaches, volunteers, and community members who believe in the mission of building confidence and character in young people.

The Impact of The Waldele Family Foundation

The presenting sponsorship by The Waldele Family Foundation underscores the importance of community support for programs that make a real difference in young people's lives. Their commitment to the Girls on the Run program helps ensure that more youth have access to this life-changing experience, regardless of their family's financial circumstances.

Foundation support like this enables the Girls on the Run program to provide scholarships, equipment, and resources that might otherwise be out of reach for many families. The 5K celebration represents the culmination of weeks of training, team-building, and personal development that participants experience throughout the season.

Professional Race Timing Makes Every Second Count

At Tristate Timing, we understand that accurate race timing isn't just about numbers—it's about celebrating achievements and creating memorable experiences. For this event, our professional timing services ensured that every participant received precise results, whether they finished in 20 minutes or 60 minutes.

Our timing technology captured split times, overall placement, and age-group rankings, providing participants with detailed data about their performance. This level of precision is especially meaningful for young runners who may be setting personal records or achieving goals they've worked toward throughout the entire Girls on the Run season.

Complete RunSignup results are available online, allowing participants to review their performance, compare times with friends, and track their progress from previous years. The detailed results include gun time, chip time, pace per mile, and rankings by age group and gender—giving every finisher a comprehensive picture of their achievement.

More Than Just a Race

What sets the Girls on the Run 5K Somerville apart from typical road races is its emphasis on the journey rather than just the destination. Throughout the season, participants learn valuable life skills including:

• Building confidence through accomplishment
• Developing healthy relationships with peers and mentors
• Understanding the importance of community service
• Establishing lifelong healthy habits
• Setting and achieving personal goals

The 5K race day represents the celebration of all these lessons learned. For many participants, simply crossing the finish line represents overcoming personal challenges, pushing past self-doubt, and achieving something they never thought possible.

Looking Ahead to Future Races

The success of the Girls on the Run 5K Somerville Presented by The Waldele Family Foundation sets a high standard for future events. The overwhelming participation demonstrates the community's commitment to youth development and healthy living.

For race directors planning similar events in Somerville, NJ and beyond, partnering with professional race timing services ensures smooth operations and satisfied participants. Tristate Timing's expertise in managing events of all sizes—from intimate community runs to large-scale marathons—provides peace of mind and allows organizers to focus on creating memorable experiences.

Join Us for the Next Event

Whether you're a seasoned runner, a first-timer, or someone supporting a young athlete in your life, events like the Girls on the Run 5K offer something special. The combination of competitive racing, community celebration, and meaningful purpose creates an atmosphere unlike any other running event.

To view complete results from the Girls on the Run 5K Somerville, visit the official RunSignup results page. Every finisher can access their individual results, photos, and performance data.

Are you planning a running event in New Jersey or the tri-state area? Tristate Timing offers professional race timing services that ensure accuracy, reliability, and an outstanding experience for participants. Contact us today to learn how we can help make your next event a success.

Congratulations to all 967 finishers who made this year's Girls on the Run 5K Somerville an inspiring celebration of community, empowerment, and achievement. Your dedication to crossing that finish line—whether in 20 minutes or an hour—represents the true spirit of the Girls on the Run program. We'll see you at the starting line next year!