The Bellaire Women’s Soccer team held the annual FourteenForTeens 14k & 5k Trail Run this past Saturday November 7^th at TC Jester Park. Overall, there was a successful turnout and the Lady Cardinals were very happy with the results of the run. Senior Elisa Arango explained her experience with the run this year and how she felt about it.

“The atmosphere [of the race] was really great,” Arango said. “Even though it was a bit chilly and rainy, it actually felt nice running in the cooler weather.”

Despite any weather problems that may have persisted on Saturday, many still decided to come out and join the soccer team as they ran. Raising money for two charities, Crisis Intervention and Reggie’s Friends, the Lady Cardinals knew that what they were doing was not only fun but also for a good cause. Junior Leighanne Masri explained that even though the turnout was great, there could always be room for improvement.

“We would love a bigger turnout next year,” Masri said. “Every year, we’re trying to grow the event in order to raise more money for our charities.”

Their efforts to raise money for the 14k/5k run went even beyond Saturday’s run. Masri explained how the team practiced for the trail run in the days leading up to the event.

“As a team, we took running days during practice to train for the run along with additional personal training,” Masri said.

Even more so, the afternoon run was one to remember. As the runners ran to raise money for charities, they found themselves raising each other’s spirits, encouraging one another to keep pushing on. Both Masri and Arango saw this as an aspect they both loved from their experience.

“The team was really supportive of each other and all the runners in the race,” Arango said. “It felt great being cheered on by my teammates because it gave me more energy to keep running.”

Masri, enjoying her second time on the run, also explained why the team’s positive energy and words of encouragement kept her pepped up throughout the race.

“The run was very uplifting in the sense that we were all there to support each other,” Masri said. “We grew together and bonded from it.”

Overall, both soccer players saw the run as a good accomplishment and they certainly hope that next year’s run is just the same. As always, the Bellaire Women’s soccer team was able to positively represent Bellaire High School through perseverance and encouragement.