POOLER, GA (WTOC) -
Some elementary and middle school-aged girls are doing something that would challenge most adults, run a 5K.
It was a sea of pink and green, as more than 160 elementary and middle school girls took over Pooler for the Girls on the Run 5K.
The girls prepare to run by wearing pink and green "warrior" stripes on their cheeks and spray-painting their hair.
"I like running and meeting new people," said Jenyla Brown.
"I think it is really a great program," said Tina Metig. "Our girls are under so much pressure these days. This gives them a chance to get out there and feel good about themselves."
These fashionistas are part of Girls on the Run, which is an after-school program that combines running with life-skills lessons for girls ages 8 to 13. The girls have been building up to the 3.1-mile distance over the course of 10 weeks.
"Our mission is to really change the world one girl at a time," said Program Director Kathy McCarthy. "We want to empower these girls to make lifetime healthy decisions. For these girls, the finish line is just the beginning."
The girls giggle and dance as they line up on the starting line. The program has helped them build healthy friendships as they learn to appreciate themselves and others.
"It teaches everybody else to be kind to others," said a participant.
Through running the girls make the connection between exercise and feeling good. Research shows that when girls participate in sports, their confidence increases.
"I think the process of watching each girl mature and grow and watch them smile across finish line such a blessing," said Assistant Coach Amara Jones.
A visible sign that they are proud of what they have accomplished. Girls on the Run not only helps them develop a healthy lifestyle, but makes them feel beautiful inside and out.
At the finish line, every runner's performance was celebrated building confidence and character.
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