Girls on the Run

Written by Jill // March 2, 2010 // News & Events // 1 Comment // 1,645 views

Last week I contacted Samantha Schneck, Council Director for Girls on the Run Lehigh County and asked her if she’d be willing to share with us some information about her organization. I have heard about Girls on the Run for the past few years and have friends who are involved with it elsewhere around the country. I think the GOTR program is a wonderful contribution to young girls and aspiring runners and wanted to help spread the word to you.

What exactly is Girls on the Run?
GOTR is a non-profit prevention program that encourages pre teen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The program addresses all aspects of girls’ development – their physical, emotional mental, social and spiritual well-being.

What is the overall goal of GOTR?
The goal of Girls on the Run is to educate and empower girls at an early age in order to prevent the display of at-risk activities in the future. At risk activities include substance/alcohol use, eating disorders, early onset of sexual activity, sedentary lifestyle, depression, suicide attempts and confrontations with the juvenile justice system.

When did GOTR begin here in the LV?
Girls on the Run of Lehigh County was born in 2007, when Diakon Family Life Services learned of the amazing impact that the program has had in regions across North America. Girls on the Run of Lehigh County started off with one team of excited 12 girls in the Spring of 2007 at Jefferson Elementary in Allentown.

How did you become involved with GOTR?
I learned about this program at the 2008 LV Half Marathon expo where GOTRLC had a booth setup. I started chatting with the Program Director at the time. As soon as I learned about the program I was hooked! I immediately went home and registered to be a running buddy. I had such an amazing experience at the 5k that I decided to be a coach. I absolutely loved my coaching experience. Once again I was amazed by the program and how much it impacted the girls an their families. A few weeks after I started coaching, I received an email that they were looking for a full time Council Director. Having witnessed first hand what an amazing impact the program was having in the community, I jumped at the opportunity. Now, here I am!

How many girls are involved in the program in 2010?
This year we plan on having 260 girls in the program between the Girls on the Run program for 3rd – 5th grade girls and the Girls on Track program for 6th – 8th grade girls.

And how many volunteers?
Wow. A lot! We have amazing volunteers! We will have approximately 60 volunteer coaches, 250 running buddies, and an additional 100 race volunteers.

Have you noticed any significant jumps in program growth since its inception? Absolutely. As word spreads about the program and the amazing impact it has more and more people want to be involved. We have more demand than we can keep up with!

What volunteer opportunities are available to the community?
Volunteer mentor coaches, running buddies at the season end 5k on Monday, May 24th and general race volunteers to serve as course marshals, water station attendants, setup, parking, food and happy hair station volunteers.

Where do you host the 5k events?
The Spring 2010 New Balance Girls on the Run 5k is Monday, May 24th in the Lehigh Parkway next to the Road Runner’s clubhouse. Our last event in the fall was at Upper Saucon Township Community Park in Center Valley.

Do the girls that are coached continue their running year after year?
I hear from many parents that their daughters continue, not only participate running but increasing their activity level overall with other sports/activities.

Do the girls need to be a certain age?
Yes. Girls on the Run participants must be in either 3rd, 4th or 5th grade. Girls on Track participants is open to 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls.

When is your next race?
Monday, May 24th in the Lehigh Parkway from 5:30 – 8pm. Race starts at 6:30 pm. We will have 200 girls participating… our largest season yet!

Does it cost anything?
Girls on the Run International recommends a minimum registration fee of $150 per girl, Diakon Family Life Services, the exclusive GOTR licensee in Lehigh County, has made the decision to offer the program at the modest fee of $50 girl, with an additional sliding fee scale which allows families to pick a fee they can afford. It is Diakon’s mission to ensure that financial need doesn’t prohibit any girl from participating. The majority of our sites are located in some of the most economically-challenged neighborhoods in Lehigh County. In 2009, 95% of all registered participants received a scholarship to participate in the program. We rely on individual and community donations, in addition to business and corporate partnerships to help make up the difference.

Who does the coaching?
Fabulous, inspirational women from our community! They volunteer one or two days per week to help deliver the powerful GOTR message and to help prepare girls right here in our community to lead a life of self-respect and healthy living.

To learn more about the Girls on the Run program, or to volunteer, please visit their website at Girls on the Run Lehigh County