Website Spotlight: Girls on the Run

I've been asked to share some info about Girls on the Run, a program that tries to encourage girls to realize their potential through running. Here is some of the information I received:

Former Ironman triathlete Molly Barker founded Girls on the Run, a non-profit prevention program that prepares girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. The program combines training for a 5k event with life-changing, confidence-boosting lessons that enhance the social, physical and mental health of eight to twelve year old girls. There are more than 3,100 Girls on the Run sites across the United States and Canada.

In May 2009, Girls on the Run launched SoleMates, an adult charity running program where female and male athletes who run marathons, half marathons or other events, raise money for local Girls on the Run councils. SoleMates participants agree to raise a minimum of $262 in conjunction with their event to donate to the Girls on the Run council of their choice. ($262 comes from the 26.2 miles in a marathon.)

SoleMates is nationally presented by Horizon Fitness. Girls on the Run is also a partner charity of the Chicago Marathon and attends other marathon expos throughout the year. SoleMates runners participated in over 112 events in 2008, raising over $325,000.