Fun and games for Timber Trail runners
This season’s Timber Trail Elementary Girls on the Run team.
Article and photos by Lisa Crockett
Another season of Girls on the Run has drawn to a close for students at Timber Trail Elementary (TTE). The nationwide program is designed to teach third through fifth grade girls about physical and mental health and helps girls become aware of potential roadblocks to success and find ways to overcome them.
“In Girls on the Run, we learn about how to stay out of what we call ‘the girl box.’ It teaches them to be empowered rather than fitting into stereotypes like focusing on clothing and appearance,” said Kristin Ruder, a TTE parent who was head coach for the 46 girls and six other volunteer coaches who participated this season. “We teach the girls to believe in themselves and I love the confidence it builds.”
The season’s highlight is a 5K run, followed a few days later by a party where every girl is honored. To augment this year’s celebration, each girl donated a toy or a game to be given to the Douglas/Elbert Task Force to provide holiday gifts for children in need. In all, nearly 100 gifts were donated.
“Doing this has enhanced my life in so many ways,” said Elizabeth Duffie, a fifth grader who participated in “Girls on Track,” a Girls on the Run program designed to help girls meet the challenges of middle school. “It’s such a wonderful program, and it feels good to be helping in the community too.”
Fourth grader Lily Wells (left) and fifth grader Sarah Bushey help gather gifts for the Douglas/Elbert Task Force. Girls who participated in Timber Trail Elementary’s Girls on the Run chapter this season donated gifts.
