Girls on the Run is a mentoring program that targets third through fifth grade girls in Salt Lake County. Its mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through a curriculum that integrates lessons and running.
Tamra Hall, the Board President of Girls on the Run in Salt Lake County and Greg Reid with SelectHealth came on Good Things to talk about the importance of the program.
The program holds a semi-annual 5k (held May 19th). Registration is open now and will be ongoing until the event.
Girls on the Run is a national program that was introduced in Salt Lake in 2007. It is important because it envisions a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. The program wants to help these girls become better women and the leaders of tomorrow.
Girls on the Run is a 12-week program for 3rd - 5th grade girls. It is run by trained volunteers (65 volunteers) who teach girls about:
- Healthy eating
- Healthy relationships
- Fitness & nutrition
- Self-esteem
Girls are assigned a "running buddy" (350 running buddy volunteers) to run with them.
There are 21 sites throughout Salt Lake County, classes generally held at schools or community centers. Soon there will be 30 sites. The classes usually hold 12 - 15 girls per program. Girls go one to two times a week, usually afternoons from 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Classes are composed of activities, exercises and sharing. They are $160.00 for the 12-week session. Scholarships and sliding scale payments are also available.
The most visible part of the program is the 5K run, held in December and May. The next event is May 19th at Sugar House Park. It really is the culmination of all the work the girls do in the program. And, it was something SelectHealth wanted to be a part of. SelectHealth looks at programs that complement what they are trying to do... promote health and wellness and get kids active.
To enroll, call (801) 913-5584, or go to this website:http://www.girlsontherunsaltlake.org.
