Girls on the Run is about so much more than running.

The program for girls in elementary and middle school started in 2000 in North Carolina and has spread across the nation. It serves nearly 200,000 girls, including hundreds across Western Colorado including Bayfield and Durango in La Plata County.

While the program culminates with an end-of-season 5-kilometer run, the third- through fifth-grade and sixth- through eighth-grade participants learn valuable life skills along the way.

Still, it’s the running that delivers encouragement and joy.

“It makes you have rainbows in your stomach, like exploding with happiness,” said Park Elementary fourth-grader Bryn Aggeler, who is in her second year in the program. “Like, if you’re sad, it’s like go run and everyone will always be there for you to make you happy.”

For the second consecutive year, Durango will host a 5K race for the Western Colorado council of Girls on the Run. Other races will be held in Frisco and Steamboat Springs.

After moving the event from Telluride to Durango a year ago, the turnout was astounding with more than 600 runners. That included girls in the program, coaches, parents and community members who also can sign up for the event. Last year’s turnout made it the largest 5K ever in Durango.

This year’s race will be at 10 a.m. Nov. 12 at Fort Lewis College. Registration is open for the event for $25 and costs $35 for race-day registration.

Programs in the area have had practice 5K events. While the ability level of the participants varies, the girls unite in an individual sport of running to truly become a team.

“Every time somebody passes you or you pass somebody else, they always say ‘good job,’ or ‘you’re awesome,’” said Park Elementary fourth-grader Hadley Thompson.

Park Elementary fifth-grader Carter Neiman finished second in the big 5K a year ago, falling short near the end when her shoe came untied. She won’t be able to compete at this year’s event because of a scheduling conflict with another sport. She said she joined Girls on the Run because it helps her stay fit for her other sports.

“I like the encouragement of Girls on the Run and the lessons they teach about girl power,” she said.

Girl power is the overall message Park Elementary coach Francesca Shaw wants the group to take away from the curriculum. Participants partake in weekly lessons taught by the coaches and volunteers.

“There’s a misconception that it’s a running program,” Shaw said. “It’s more of a self-empowerment program for girls that incorporates running. We talk about making healthy choices and how to be a friend. They are learning skills to be successful at life.”

Marjorie Brinton, an avid runner who assists with the Park program, said it is important for girls to learn those lessons at a young age.

“Setting goals and accomplishing them is something that makes you feel good about yourself,” she said. “I’ve seen girls come up from third grade and now to fifth, and the maturity and leadership growth I’ve seen is amazing.”

Parents are encouraged to participate with their daughters. Kate Thompson, mother of Hadley, said it is unique to see a program teach girls how to support each other and not break each other down.

That’s the environment that helps put a big smile on the face of Park fourth-grader Amara Kirk.

“I like it, and I’m going to keep doing it,” Kirk said. “It let’s my star power shine through.”

jlivingston@durangoherald.com

For more information

To learn more about Girls on the Run in Western Colorado or to register for the Nov. 12 race, go to www.gotrwesterncolorado.org.