Many teams compete in the Greater Cincinnati Fall 5K, but one group is strictly for females only.

The Girls on the Run program participates annually in this Cincinnati tradition, training young women for weeks before contending in the 5K.

However, according to GOTR Cincinnati – Greater Cincinnati, the real purpose for the program is to encourage young ladies to be “joyful, happy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.”

Girls on the Run of Greater Cincinnati is part of Girls on the Run International, which has more than 200 locations throughout Canada and the US.

The non-profit organization holds meetings every two weeks in small groups of eight to 15 adolescents, where the young women learn life skills through conversation-based lessons and running games.

Daughters lessons also inspire girls to think for themselves, enhance their problem-solving skills, and make healthy choices.

PE and Health teacher Mr. Edward Clark said “It [Girls on the Run} is a great program to keep young ladies active.”

Girls on the Run believes that running is used to hearten and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment.

Sophomore Dayonna Lyons said “It [Girls on the Run] showed me how to work with other people, and not put other people down. It was like a second family to me.”

The Girls on the Run program is for 3rd to 8th graders only, but high school students can help by signing up to volunteer or donate money.

Junior Natalie Kerr said, “It [Girls on the Run] was really fun because I got to do it with my friends and cousins, and I got to wear a pink T-shirt. I never forgot about it.”