Girls on the Run is a program that combines training for a 3.1 mile run/walk event with workouts that encourage emotional, social and physical development for girls in third, fourth and fifth grades. It operates in towns in Burlington, Essex, Mercer, Morris and Union counties, and just opened a program in Verona.
Verona resident April Daniels Hussar is a volunteer coach for the program, which her daughter, a student at H.B. Whitehorne, got into in the third grade. “I can’t say enough good things about it,” she says. “They do run, but it’s really not a ‘running program’–it’s all about empowerment and teaching self respect, making healthy choices, and girl power. They cover important stuff like bullying, too. Girls are never forced to run–just encouraged to keep moving forward.”
The Verona program will take place in Verona Park from April 15 through June 17, on Wednesdays from 4 to 5:15 p.m. and Sunday mornings from 10 to 11:15 a.m. The cost is $185 per child.
You can get more information on Girls on the Run on its Web site and Facebook page.
