Local Middle School Girls Finish Girls on the Run "Girls On Track Program"

VERO BEACH, Fla. - May 8, 2014 - PRLog -- Twenty six local middle school girls from Gifford and Oslo felt the pride of accomplishment as they crossed the finish line at the Maya Matters 5K held on May 3 at South Beach Park. As part of the Girls on the Run 'Girls On Track' program, the girls had trained for the twelve weeks which led up to the 5K. The day of the race, each girl ran with a Running Buddy, who were either family members, teachers or community volunteers.  The Runny Buddies showed enormous support by encouraging the girls through the whole race, as well as making sure they completed the race running.  Others, cheered from the sidelines as each girl ran down the final stretch toward the finish line.

Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast is very grateful for the community's support. This season the  'Girls On Track' program was made possible through a grant from the Indian River Community Foundation’s Future Leaders Professional Advisors Council and a scholarship sponsorship from Girard Equipment. Some members of the Council also participated as Running Buddies and Girard Equipment made goody bags for each runner, filled with Gatorade, bananas and granola bars.

Girls on the Run is a non-profit youth development program, which seeks to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience based curriculum, which creatively integrates running. The program culminates with the girls completing a celebratory 5K. The goal is to unleash confidence through accomplishment for elementary and middle school aged girls, while establishing a lifetime of appreciation for health and fitness.

There are many opportunities for community support within the Girls on the Run program. Area schools are invited to apply to be a site for the fall and volunteer coaches are needed to lead the program. Those who enjoy running are invited to serve as “running buddies” and volunteers are needed to help plan special events and serve on committees. Local businesses and individuals are being sought out to sponsor the program at additional elementary and middle schools, as well as provide scholarships for those families unable to make the financial commitment.

For more information about Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast or how you can help, email Jessica Schmitt at jessica.schmitt@girlsontherun.org, or visit us online at www.girlsontheruntc.org.

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Girls on the Run of the Treasure Coast is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to creating a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams. The 12 week program, led by certified Girls on the Run coaches, teaches important life skills through interactive lessons and running games. For more information, visit www.girlsontheruntc.org