Puget Sound Girls on the Run 5K: June 7, 2009

June 6, 11:13 AMSeattle Endurance Sports ExaminerLynne Butler

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Puget Sound Girls on the Run

The very worthwhile organization Girls on the Run is hosting a 5K distance running event at Seattle's Magnusun Park on Sunday, June 7, 2009. This is the first of two annual events hosted by the organization, one each Spring and Fall.

Girls on the Run is a national mentoring organization, with local chapters, enlisting adult volunteers and pairing them with young girls in 3rd through 5th grades. The volunteer coaches use a structured curriculum to work with the girls helping them build confidence in themselves and learn healthy exercise skills.

This is a twice yearly program during which the girls meet with other girls and mentors twice a week for ten weeks. The 10-week session culminates in running the non-competitive New Balance 5K event. This is not only a great opportunity for girls to learn fitness skills they can carry with them for the rest of their lives, but more importantly it is a chance to build confidence, understand who they are and their gifts, and activate their power as a human being.

The three part curriculum focuses on getting to know themselves and who they stand for, cooperation and team building, and being a part of an empowered community.

The impact and effectiveness of this program has been evaluated twice by Dr. Rita DeGioacchino DeBate, Associate Professor at Old Dominion University. The very positive results indicate girls participating in the program show improved self-esteem, attitudes toward physical activity, body size, and feeling of empowerment.

Though online registration is closed, registration and check-in for the 5K event at Magnusun Park is from 7:00 am to 9:00 am on the day of the event. The event is open to anyone and the 5K starts at 9:00 am.

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