Back to school is marked by: A new crop of students, the frantic ordering of school supplies, orientation days, fall sports practices, and valuable after school programs like Girls on the Run. As the name implies, Girls on the Run provides an opportunity for girls to lace up their shoes and fall in love with running. However, the teaching of critical life skills by trained coaches sets Girls on the Run apart from other after school programs. As Founder and Executive Director of Girls on the Run of the Rockies since 2005, Lisa Johnson said, “Girls on the Run is so much more than a running program. Through our curriculum, girls learn to stretch themselves physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially while training for a 5k. Girls learn skills such as how to stand up for themselves, find a happy pace, work with comfortable and uncomfortable emotions, and be part of a team.”
According to a study performed by the Women’s Sports Federation this April, physical activity is instrumental in the development of girls; Sports participation can facilitate positive mental health, reduce anxiety, and increase involvement in other opportunities. Engaging in physical activity alone doesn’t bring these benefits, coaches play an instrumental role. Johnson said, “Many coaches are runners that understand and believe in the power of running for social emotional and mental health. Coaches become mentors to these girls, they are a living example of empowerment. They help our girls set goals, are there every step of the way, and celebrate with them when crossing the finish line.” Over 10 weeks, these coaches teach an evidenced-based curriculum that develops various skills: How to be a good friend, stand up for others, be supportive, and cultivate healthy relationships.
The Women’s Sports Federation also found that many girls lack access to programs that provide fun outdoor exercise. Girls on the Run of the Rockies continues to fill this void: “Our girls come from all walks of life and 70% come from low-income backgrounds and are funded through our scholarship program” said Johnson. “We [Girls on the Run] serve 5,000 girls a year, in roughly 250 schools, and over 3,000 of those girls are supported through our scholarship program.” Johnson also emphasized that girls don’t need to “be runners” to participate and find value in the program. “This might be one of the only things they do, which is great. We’re also in communities that are very active and have kids who play soccer, or volleyball, or play in the band.” The bottom line: Girls on the Run is for EVERYONE!
This Fall, Girls on the Run of the Rockies is partnering with several schools in the Denver-metro area including Belleview Elementary School, Cherry Hills Village Elementary School, Clayton Elementary School, Cottonwood Creek Elementary School, Eugene Field, St. Mary’s Academy, and Wilder Elementary school. Girls on the Run of the Rockies boasts 5,000 annual participants, 1,000 annual volunteers, 70,000+ girls impacted and 23 Counties in Colorado served since 2005.
If you know someone interested in joining Girls on the Run of the Rockies as a participant, coach, volunteer or even giving it your best at one of the local 5K events, check out their website at www.girlsontherunrockies.org.