Girls on the Run helps young girls build self-esteem by promoting healthy living, self-respect and empowerment.

In July 2008, Girls on the Run of Coconino County began its first program at Mountain Elementary School and South Beaver Elementary School. During its 12-week program, Girls on the Run encourages running and other physical activity in 8- to 13-year-old girls. The non-profit organization provides an after-school program from 3:15 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a 3.1 mile run at the end of 12 weeks.

Stephanie Ludwig, the executive director for Girls on the Run of Coconino County, said she is excited to be a part of the program growing in Flagstaff.

“We want to teach girls to celebrate their power,” Ludwig said. “Our hope is to explore topics of self-esteem and self-respect. This is a chance for young girls to be proud of who they are.”

Girls on the Run was established in the late 1990s by Molly Barker, and now has 160 councils in the United States and Canada. This fall was the pilot for the program in Flagstaff, lasting from Sept. 8 to Nov. 22. Ludwig hopes to expand this already widespread program in Coconino County.

“It’s our goal to bring this program to every girl aged 8 years old to 13 years old in Coconino County,” Ludwig said. “We’re hoping to bring the program to every elementary school and junior high.”

Some parents with young girls in the Coconino School District are especially excited about the new program. Rosalia Cortez, a Flagstaff resident, said her 9-year-old daughter, Maria, has become more active and outgoing since joining the program.

“Maria wants to run everyday,” Cortez said. “It’s like a new, happier child skipping around my house. She’s starting to understand that women are powerful, and her self-esteem has been much higher. It’s been a miraculous transformation.”

Maria said she loves going to Girls on the Run meetings and she cannot wait for the 3.1 mile run near the end of November.

“It’s fun and I want to do it next year, too,” Maria said. “I’m going to be the first person to finish the race.”

Girls on the Run is also a preventative program, dedicated to preventing self-abuse.

“Becoming strong within oneself is extremely important for young girls,” Ludwig said. “By showing these girls that they can be strong physically, emotionally and mentally, it will help solve problems like self-abuse, substance abuse and depression. Empowered girls will learn to take care of themselves and respect their own power.”

Ludwig herself said she understands the struggle as a young woman finding self-worth and self-respect.

“Personally I have spent a number of years finding my own power,” Ludwig said. “I’ve learned what power there is in learning about self-worth for adults and children, especially those who are struggling with destructive habits. I’m amazed by what Girls on the Run is doing.”

Rita Frank, a resident of Kachina Village, said she thinks the program would be great for her children.

“I have a friend whose child is participating in the program,” Frank said. “She has told me about how the program works to help younger girls know their self-worth. It can be so difficult going into school, and having a program like Girls on the Run is a great mechanism to build self-esteem.”

Rita said she hopes Girls on the Run will come to her kids’ school.

“My kids go to Knoles Elementary,” Frank said, “I think Girls on the Run would be a great program to incorporate into after-school activities.”

For more information about Girls on the Run of Coconino County, visit www.gotrcoconino.org, and for more information about International Girls on the Run, visit www.girlsontherun.org.

Girls on the Run of Coconino County is hoping to recruit Flagstaff residents and university students to volunteer or intern with the program.

For more information about volunteering or interning with Girls on the Run, email Stephanie Ludwig at stephanie@gotrcoconino.org or call at 928-606-7798.