Our program at KCGOTR runs for 10 weeks.  At the end of that 10 weeks, the girls participate in a 5K run.  It is non-competitive and is called our “celebratory” run.  We believe that this accomplishment is a huge part of the self-confidence and self-esteem building that is core to our program.  We tell the girls that the end of this race is really the beginning for them.  The beginning of a healthy lifestyle, the beginning of feeling the power they have in their lives and the beginning of truly appreciating who they are on their own terms.  We have just accomplished some other significant “ends” in our program that are also beginnings.  For our coaches, the “end” of the coach trainings signals the beginning of our season the week of March 5.  The “end” of cpr trainings also signals the beginning of the season.  Truly, there are no “ends” in this process, just transitions on to the next steps.  Life is like that, isn’t it?

Isn’t time an interesting concept?  How often do we say something about it?  As we look forward to a new year, do you wonder where the time went?   Did you run out of time this holiday season for all you wanted to do?  And of course, runners are always talking about “time”.  Here at Girls on the Run, it’s time we let you know about our program and why we need your support.  Girls on the Run© is a life-changing, non-profit program for girls in 3rd through 5th grade. Our mission is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. We do this by combining training for a 5K  running event with healthy living education.

Our program instills self-esteem and strong values through life skills development, health education, mentoring and physical training. Our active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers and community helps make this happen.

Kent County Girls on the Run is one of nearly 170 GOTR Councils across the United States and Canada. Since its first season in the spring of 2004, the Kent County Girls on the Run program has grown rapidly. Nearly 1500 girls  registered to participate in the spring 2011 season. This included girls registered for the Girls on Track program for middle school girls at eight of our sites.   Many of our girls take advantage of our scholarship program which is funded through donations, grants and sponsorships.   Our mission is to provide the program to any girl who wants it regardless of their financial situation.

This is more than a running program. We’re here to encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development in girls.  We believe that every girl can change the world.  You can be part of this program through your support as a charity runner.  Run for a reason!   Consider running for Kent County Girls on the Run.

GOTR video link