GIRLS ON THE RUN OF GREATER LYNCHBURG dba Central Virginia

In 2005, a volunteer group of four women began the process of establishing a Girls on the Run Council in order to bring the program to Central Virginia.  After traveling to Charlotte, NC for Council/Coach Training by Girls on the Run International, the program was piloted with two teams of 26 girls in the Spring of 2006.  The program was an immediate success and the following season consisted of four local sites, five teams and 70 girls participating.  Each season has seen an increase in the number of participating sites and girls served, bringing our current total to 37 active sites in the Central Virginia region including Albemarle, Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, Campbell, Nelson and Rockbridge Counties along with the Cities of Charlottesville and Lynchburg. 

There are no other programs like the Girls on the Run program. It is an entirely new "genre" of youth development programs. Research indicates that development of the life skills offered in this Curriculum will prevent the future display of at-risk behaviors resulting in fewer adolescent pregnancies, fewer eating disordered girls, less depression and suicide attempts, fewer substance/alcohol abuse problems and fewer confrontations with the juvenile justice system. And yet Girls on the Run is more than the program itself. It is a philosophy. It is a way of being. It not only impacts the girls who participate directly in the program, but supports efforts to provide an environment for all girls that nurture, develop, and celebrate their strengths. It is the goal of Girls on the Run of Greater Lynchburg to reach every girl in Central Virginia wishing to participate and provide the opportunity to do so at an affordable cost.

We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

 

I just had to write you to say a big thank you after watching today's 5k practice. I knew how special this program was but I don't think you can fully appreciate it until you actually see the girls in action... However, I was honestly moved to tears today, very unexpectedly... Just seeing the girls cheering each other on and then the way they ran the last little bit with my daughter was so amazing. Today you hear so much about girls bullying each other but to see that today was just so motivating. Thank you and your helpers for all you do to encourage our girls.