Girls on The Run 5K at Mount Trashmore 6/4/2011

“Do you see that flag up there,” asked a team mate. Yes, the runner replied as she fought back tears of exhaustion and held the hands of her two team supporters. “That’s the finish line, you did it,” said the team mate with a smile.

Girls on The Run held their second annual 5 K at Mount Trashmore on Saturday, June 4^th.  Over 700 participants ran the 5K (3.1 miles) to support the organization. Girls on the Run strive to teach self-esteem through health education, life skills development, mentoring relationships, and physical training. This is all achieved through teamwork with girls, their families, schools, volunteers, staff, and the community.

Carolyn Colson a mother on military deployment says, “This allows us to do something together and talk about our progress when I make my morale calls home.” Running not only helps the girls get fit but also helps to build bonds between themselves and their family. The participants are able to take their feeling of accomplishment and apply it towards other things within their lives.

Registration is only open to girls who attend schools that are involved in the program. The programs are 10 weeks and are offered twice a year. Financial aid is offered to students on a needed basis. Girls on the Run was started in South Hampton Roads in 2005 and has continued to expand to various schools each year.

If you’re interested in becoming a volunteer or supporting the organization in other ways visit their website at www.gotrshr.org