Preparing girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

Since August 1996, the Girls on the Run program created grass roots organizations throughout the nation that deliver character building programs of experiential learning through running. Through the efforts of Carol Lynn Bamford and Emily Weinmann, the program now exists in Washington, DC.

This program teaches well-defined social and personal skills aimed at developing higher self-esteem, positive peer groups, and improving the body image for adolescent girls. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K race event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. "The girls come out there every week, rain or shine, before school and put forth an amazing effort. You can see the girls building a lasting connection with each other and the sport, it's truly inspiring" said Erin Gulick, Assistant Coach for the Girls on the Run program at the Stoddert Elementary.

The inaugural New Balance Wonder Girl 5K race will be taking place on May 17, 2008 at Hains Point in Washington, DC. More than 200 girls are participating in Girls on the Run-DC on 16 teams in public, charter, and private schools across the city. The race is a culmination of the girls' 12-week training and social development.

To volunteer or be a sponsor for the race, contact the Co- Directors for Girls on the Run-DC Carol Lynn Ward-Bamford or Emily Weinmann at dcgotr@yahoo.com. "This is an excellent opportunity for those in the community to show their support for such a wonderful program" said Carol Lynn Bamford, "We really hope to generate a lot of interest in not only the Wonder Girl race but the program as well. We expect the event to be very successful and help us build the program over the next few years."

For more information visit girlsontherun.org