Girls on the Run Gears Up for a New Season

Girls on the Run of Stark County is now accepting participant applications for the upcoming school year.

The 10-week after-school program is designed to teach girls in grades three through eight how to love and value themselves through training for a 5K run.

“This program helps girls realize that they can do anything if they set their mind to it,” said Patty Lovell, who started the Stark County chapter of the organization in 2009.

The curriculum-based program begins with teaching girls how to work independently and with a group to achieve their goals, Lovell said. Each 90-minute session consists of playing a game, walking or running laps and a snack.

Although running may be intimidating for some girls, Amy Shock, who coaches the Jackson Local Schools chapter, said the program is aimed at showing participants they can accomplish any goal they set for themselves.

“We see changes in the girls after 10 weeks,” she said. “We don’t pressure them to run, but find ways to help them be healthy and noncompetitive. ... Girls think they aren’t good enough to do some things, but when they finish the 5K they realize how awesome they are and that they don’t have to compare themselves to others or what they see on TV.”

The deadline to register for the fall program is Aug. 29. The cost is $125, which includes 20 lessons (two per week), a T-shirt, water bottle, snacks and 5K registration fee. Scholarship money also is available for families with financial difficulties.

Beginning Sept. 6, the session schedules in North Canton are as follows:

• Clearmount Elementary – Tuesday and Thursday, 3:30-5 p.m.
• Greentown Elementary – Monday and Thursday, 3:45-5 p.m.
• Northwood Elementary – Monday and Wednesday, 3:45-5 p.m.
• Orchard Hill Elementary – Tuesday and Thursday, 3:45-5 p.m.

Registration and additional information is available on the chapter’s website or by emailing Lovell.

Looking to get involved? We also have another story highlighting the organization’s upcoming fundraisers.