Setting the Pace for Success
At schools across South Georgia, young girls are lacing up their running shoes and discovering their endless power and potential.
More than a running program, Girls on the Run South Georgia was established in 2015 and has profoundly benefited over 2,400 girls in elementary and middle schools across the region.
The South Georgia Council, part of the national Girls on the Run organization, serves 34 counties.
"Our goal is to inspire all girls across South Georgia to be healthy, joyful and confident," said Girls on the Run South Georgia executive director Mary Crawford. "Every site recruits three volunteer coaches that are trained by us before the season begins and we provide all the supplies they need to implement the program. Once the site is approved, the coaches are trained and the supplies are in place and the season
begins the girls grow and discover their healthy, joyful and confident selves.”
Girls on the Run is offered in spring and fall, depending on site availability and coaches. This year's spring season has sites at 20 public and private elementary and middle schools in South Georgia and North Florida.
Mary Crawford,
Girls on the Run South Georgia Executive Director
At schools across South Georgia, young girls are lacing up their running shoes and discovering their endless power and potential.
More than a running program, Girls on the Run South Georgia was established in 2015 and has profoundly benefited over 2,400 girls in elementary and middle schools across the region.
The South Georgia Council, part of the national Girls on the Run organization, serves 34 counties.
Girls on the Run empowers girls in third through eighth grades to become joyful, healthy, and confident. Trained coaches guide the girls through Girls on the Run's 5 C's + 1 model: confidence, care, character, connections, competence, and contribution.
"Each lesson is intentional, and all the Girls on the Run sites use the same, evidence-based, proven training curriculum," Crawford said. "They start with a healthy snack and then learn a skill or technique, like taking a moment before responding to a negative situation. Next, they talk about it with their coach and other girls and then apply those lessons."
Girls on the Run prioritizes healthy lifestyle habits and avoiding risky choices, particularly among young girls.
"At age nine, a girl's confidence is plummeting, especially with the influence of social media. We aim to reach girls at this critical age and positively transform their lives."
- Mary Crawford
Joining the Girls on the Run South Georgia team in April 2021, Crawford has witnessed the program's profound effect on young girls. "Many of the girls begin to display positive changes after just a few weeks of participation," she remarked. "By the end of the season, they have gained valuable life lessons and formed meaningful friendships."
Coaches undergo intensive training and play a crucial role in Girls on the Run's success. They lead the girls through the twice-weekly lessons and act as mentors, fostering positive relationships with each participant.
Crawford shared about the transformation of a girl referred to the program by her school principal. "She entered the program while in the foster care system," Crawford recounted. "Initially, she would barely talk or engage in activities. After just a few sessions, she began talking to her coach. By the end of the season, she was smiling and participating in the activities."
At the end of each 10-week session, the girls complete a community service project and participate in a celebratory non-competitive 5K run. The Spring 2024 5K is scheduled for 7 a.m., April 27, at the Wiregrass Georgia Technical College Valdosta campus.
While running a 5K is the end goal, Crawford said, "It's about setting a challenging goal and breaking it into smaller steps. They are learning that little steps become big wins. Most third graders have never thought about running a 5K or even know how far that is, but by the end of the season, they are prepared and ready to go."
The 5K event is open to the public, and proceeds benefit Girls on the Run South Georgia.
"It's amazing to see the smiles on their faces when they cross the finish line," Crawford said. "Whether they run, skip, or walk, it doesn't matter. They made it, and many of them go back to encourage others, even from other teams."
Crawford said girls are born with potential, power, and purpose. "Girls on the Run inspires participants to know and activate that potential, not just for the length of our season but for life."
A report by the U.S. Surgeon General and U.S. Public Health recognized Girls on the Run for its strong link in providing a physical activity-based program. Furthermore, 97% of participants said they learned critical life skills, including resolving conflict, helping others, or making intentional decisions, and 85% reported improvements in confidence, caring, competence, character development, or connection to others.
"We have the potential to change the world today, right here in our communities," said Crawford, the mother of three adult children. "We are making a difference and growing a culture where it's not about the competition but every person being the best they can be."
Crawford said that Girls on the Run is helping young girls learn valuable life skills to boost their confidence, leading to an effective and efficient workforce in South Georgia.
"Many of these girls will grow up and become part of the South Georgia workforce," she said. "Our business leaders support what we're doing and understand its long-term impact."
Last year, thanks to financial support from the Greater Valdosta United Way and donations from individuals and businesses, 397 girls participated in Girls on the Run at sites throughout South Georgia, with 65% receiving a partial scholarship and 40% receiving a full scholarship.
"Funding from the United Way also provides after-school snacks, running shoes and scholarships for many families who otherwise couldn't afford our program," Crawford said. "Removing these barriers to participation allow us to change the lives of young girls across South Georgia."