By: Veronica Blankenship
October 23, 2026
Some weeks remind you exactly why partnerships matter.
This week, I had the opportunity to spend time with our friends at Girls on the Run in two very special ways, and both experiences left me inspired, energized, and even more committed to helping girls discover their strength, confidence, and limitless potential.
We kicked things off at the Girls on the Run Sneaker Soirée, where I joined fellow Rain Makers, including members of our Flavor Lab team, for an evening dedicated to making every mile count. Earlier this summer, Girls on the Run participants visited our Flavor Lab to learn firsthand how our scientists bring creativity, curiosity, and innovation to life through flavor. Watching those girls explore, ask questions, and imagine future possibilities was incredibly rewarding. Seeing that story come full circle this week as then our Flavor Scientists showed up to support Girls on the Run’s at their annual fundraiser reinforced that connections don’t end when an event is over, they only continue to grow.
“Participating in the Sparkle 5K virtually gave me an opportunity to be part of a company-wide initiative even while working fully remote. Having a remote colleague check in on my progress helped keep me motivated and accountable. It made me feel more connected and included, while giving me a meaningful way to support the company and Girls on the Run from afar.” – Xin Stannard
One of the highlights of the evening was hearing directly from the Seattle Torrent’s head coach about the importance of investing in girls’ sports. The message was simple – when girls have opportunities to participate in sports, they gain so much more than physical activity. They build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and a sense of belonging that supports their overall well-being both on and off the field. It’s exactly the kind of impact Girls on the Run is creating every day.
And the excitement didn’t stop there.
We welcomed Rain Makers and their families (pups, too!) to our annual Sparkle 5K benefiting Girls on the Run. Ready with big smiles, energy, and plenty of team spirit, we laced up our sparkly shoelaces and hit the trail together in celebration of movement, community, and giving back.
One of my favorite things about Sparkle 5K is that every participant helps create impact far beyond the finish line. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our Rain Maker community, we have now raised more than 250 pairs of adidas running shoes since 2024 for girls in need! That means hundreds of girls will have the opportunity to participate with the confidence that comes from having the gear they need to succeed.
“With two busy kids, I honestly didn’t expect my family to make it, so seeing their faces at the finish was the best surprise! I loved that they got to experience a little of my Talking Rain world and Girls on the Run too. My daughter is already excited for her turn when she gets to third grade!” – Olivia Blandy
And we’re just getting started.
This fall, Sparkling Ice will be showing up at Girls on the Run 5Ks across the nation, helping celebrate every finish-line moment and encourage girls to keep moving toward their goals. We’re proud to support a mission that empowers girls through confidence, connection, and joyful movement because we believe life is meant to be lived boldly, authentically, and in full flavor.
There’s nothing quite like a 5K finish line, and the Sparkle 5K is one of my favorites. Three years in, Rain Makers continue show up bold, fun, and anything but subtle with their support. Because of their participation, this means more girls in Puget Sound are lacing up and crossing their own finish lines because of Rain Makers. We’re so grateful to Talking Rain for your sparkly, genuine, and joyful partnership to Girls on the Run. – Liz Wian
Here’s to many more miles, meaningful moments, and a whole lot of sparkle ahead.