Fifty-two elementary school girls took part in Girls on the Run in the Wood River Valley this fall. The girls were able to participate in 10 afterschool sessions where they played games and discussed topics meant to uplift their self-esteem and teach positive traits. On Saturday, the attendees showed up to a Happy Hair Station before the 5K run, with some girls with glitter dots and other additions. Some girls dressed in tutus, others wore capes, every girl had number one on their racing bib as they lined up to run.
Teressa Johnson the executive director of girls on the Run Southern Idaho stated, “This is a fun event for the girls that have gone through our program to celebrate their efforts this season and to show them that through hard work and dedication that they can reach their goals, They did a practice 5K two weeks ago so they know they can do it.” She continued to say that, “We use volunteer coaches and we do positive talks about things like empathy and what makes their star power shine., One mother shared her daughter had been so quiet in the classroom—when she started with us her head was always down. She’s blossomed in the last several weeks and is now raising her hand in class. Girls on the Run is intentionally designed to help girls feel good about themselves and support others. It’s magic.”
Girls on the Run was originally founded in 1996, using running as a platform for building girls up. Some girls ran in groups or with a friend, others ran with their fathers, others chattered away as they progressed through the 5K loop. The program promotes both a healthy body and mind for the attendees.
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