Girls on the Run Offers Fall Session

The local chapter of GOTR was founded in 2005

No fall session was offered in 2008, so Council Director Christy Van Curen is very excited that 30 girls have been able to participate in the ’09 fall program.

“We have many schools and coaches on board for the spring session,” Van Curen said. “Last year, the spring program drew 180 girls from nine sites. We’d like to continue to expand, if possible.”

In 2007, Pacific Surgical Institute agreed to underwrite the cost of New Balance shoes for the participants. Since that time, nearly 400 pairs of quality running shoes have been purchased.

In April 2009, Cowlitz on the Move recognized Pacific Surgical Institute and Bob’s Merchandise as “Community Champions” for their support of Girls on the Run of Southwest Washington.

The national chapter of Girls on the Run was started by Molly Barker in 1996 in an effort to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, and physical development among adolescent girls. GOTR participants meet with coaches twice a week for twelve weeks, not only to train for a culminating 5K run but also to talk about age-appropriate issues that range from nutrition and alcohol use to teamwork and peer pressure.

2008 5K Fun Run