Girls on the Run registration closes Monday, April 17.
Girls on the Run isn’t just about running, and 10-year-old Maddie is proof. The fourth grader recently suffered a broken foot, and is still participating in Cinnaminson’s Girls on the Run program this year.
“Maddie can still learn about herself, what makes her unique and ways to celebrate that,” coach Michelle Gasiorowski said. “She’s learning how to overcome an obstacle and still be part of the team and continue to have a positive attitude. It actually will be a great lesson for the entire group to experience.”
Girls on the Run is a youth development program for girls in third through fifth grade. After 10 weeks of practices and lessons, the girls run a celebratory 5K. The practices aren’t just about physical preparation, but emotional preparation as well. As much as running is the focus of the program, Girls on the Run aims to unleash confidence and allow each girl to recognize her inner strength.
Girls on the Run’s mission is to “inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running,” and its vision is a world where “every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.”
“The Girls on the Run curriculum inspires girls to define their lives on their own terms,” Gasiorowski said. “Throughout the season, the girls make new friends, build their confidence and celebrate all that makes them unique.”
Gasiorowski says the runs and lessons encourage positive social, mental and physical development and allow the participants to explore and discuss their own beliefs while learning about the challenges and experiences of others. While focusing on teaching the girls, the coaches learn a few things as well.
“I’ve learned from the girls just as much as they’ve learned lessons from our program,” Gasiorowski said.
The after-school program starts by helping the girls gain a deeper understanding of who they are and what is important to them. Then, the coaches emphasize the importance of teamwork and building relationships. Finally, the girls explore ways to positively connect with and shape the world.
Physical activity is woven in to build an appreciation of health and fitness while building lifelong habits. The celebratory, non-competitive 5K shows the girls that hard work pays off.
“Completing the 5K gives the girls a tangible understanding of the confidence that comes through accomplishment as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals,” Gasiorowski said. “Crossing the finish line is a defining moment when the girls realize that even the seemingly impossible is possible.”
Cinnaminson’s Girls on the Run is part of the Girls on the Run New Jersey East chapter, an independent council of Girls on the Run International, which has 225 councils all over the country.
The program is volunteer-based, and the coaches are trained and background checked. The $199 registration fee includes 20 lessons conducted by certified coaches, an official Girls on the Run t-shirt, a grown-up guide booklet that allows parents to follow along with the program, lesson handouts, sponsor giveaway items, awards and an end-of-season certificate.
Scholarship options are available and presented during the registration process for those who wish to participate but cannot afford the fee. The 5K registration fee is not included in the original registration price.
Practices take place at Memorial Park on Mondays and Wednesdays from 4–5:15 p.m and have already began. Registration closes Monday, April 17. To register, visit girlsontherunnj.org and click on “Spring Registration.”
