gallery: Thousands take to the streets in 2012 Girls on the Run 5K in Ypsilanti

The organization coordinates the race so young girls can emotional and physically prepare to achieve their goal. Executive Director Danielle Plunkett says they try to give the tools, or "confidence armor," before entering middle school so they can be their best selves.

The girls empowerment program hopes to instill values such as confidence and exercise. An estimated 2,000 people ran in the 5K, and thousands more were expected to be spectators. Every participant wore the No. 1 bib and received a congratulatory medal after finishing.

"Every girl who crosses the finish line is a winner," Plunkett said.

"The magical thing about the 5k is it wasn't designed for adults, but it ends up being a lot of parents' first 5k as well," she says. "It was not the intention but it's fantastic."

The race route started on Hewitt Road, turned on Huron River Drive, and circled back to finish inside Eastern Michigan University's Rynearson Stadium.