Girls on the Run helps girls (3rd-8th grade) take charge of their lives and define the future on their terms. You can also think of it as “Can University”—a place where girls learn that they can.
When asked what Girls on the Run was all about, one participant put it this way, “I learned that I am the boss of my brain.” We teach girls that there are no limits and no constraints to whom and what they can be – and that there are so many opportunities to be remarkable.
We start with helping the girls reach a better understanding of who they are and what’s important to them. Then, we look at the role of teams and healthy relationships. And, finally, we explore how girls can positively connect with and shape the world.
We believe that life-changing experiences can be fun too—for everyone—the girls, coaches, families and other volunteers. So laughter is also a big part of what our girls, families and coaches experience. When I coach a team, I tell the girls we will do three things at each Girls on the Run lesson. We’ll run (or walk, skip, move, etc.), learn (things which are important in their daily lives) and have fun (of course, because we’re girls and love having fun!).
We incorporate running into our curriculum to inspire and motivate girls throughout the 10-week program, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment.
At each season’s conclusion, the girls and their coaches participate in a 5k running event. In some cities, this event is a HUGE, community-sponsored event and in others, it’s a smaller but a no less inspiring gathering of friends and family. This culminating celebratory event is the moment when the girls realize that the seemingly impossible IS possible.
To say that a Girls on the Run 5k event is unique would be an understatement.
- First, the event is more than a 5k race. It’s a big party which includes hair painting, skin marker tattoos, photo stations, cheers and a post-race dance.
- Second, the event is appropriate and inspiring for everyone – girls, boys, women, men, runners, walkers, etc. The focus is on celebrating our Girls on the Run participants’ successful completion of the program and sharing the accomplishment of completing a 5k as a community team.
- Third, every 5k finisher receives a really cool Girls on the Run 5k medal. Our 5k is non-competitive. No official race timing is done, but a race clock is available for those who want to note their time. Our hope is that participants cross the finish line with a sense of accomplishment from completing 3.1 miles and with smiles on their faces (the medals help with the smiles).
If you are interested in learning more about Girls on the Run, our website, www.gotrcentralillinois.org, and national organization’s website, www.girlsontherun.org, are great sources of information and include some inspiring videos. Check them out.
If you are interested in helping start a program, information is available on our website. You can also call 217-726-9808.
