After 10 weeks of training, girls from three local elementary schools proved their strength by completing the Girls on the Run of Montgomery County 5K race in Downtown Silver Spring on Sunday morning.

Thirty-nine girls from Dufief, Travilah and Darnestown Elementary Schools participated in this year's program.

Girls on the Run International began in Charlotte, N.C. in 1996 with a mission to teach young girls from 3rd to 8th grade about the importance of healthy habits and having active lifestyles, while building self-esteem.

Race Director Eve Mills brought the organization to Montgomery County in 2007.

"I wanted my daughters to get involved, but there wasn't a program, so I started one for Montgomery County," said Mills. "Our first season we had about 87 girls and now each season we get over 1000 girls."
 
Mills, who cheered runners to the finish along with executive director for Montgomery County, Elizabeth McGlynn, pointed out that only water and snacks were provided at the finish line.

"There are no timing chips and there are no prizes for the winners because everybody is a winner," said Mills.  

Parents and coaches of local elementary school teams Dufief, Travilah, and Darnestown, said they were thrilled with the outcome of the program and the mission of the organization.

"It's self-empowering," said Dufief father Rick Campbell, who enrolled his daughter Catherine in the program. "It allows the girls to express themselves in a comfortable environment and, quite honestly, the running part is least important. They build self confidence."

Darnestown Elementary co-coaches Carol Kasunic and Korin Wilson began coaching for the organization three years ago; each coach has a daughter enrolled in the program. Both parents said they felt similarly about the importance of Girls on the Run and the impact it has on young women.

"It's so much more than running," said Wilson. "We try to teach the girls it's not what you wear, it's who you are."

The 10-week program, which is offered twice a year, aims to influence girls at an age when many face self-confidence issues and adolescent pressures. By the end of the 10 weeks, and upon completing the 5K race, the girls have the tools to successfully handle the pressures of being a pre-teen, said the program directors.

"There are so many great lessons," said Kasunic. "We teach them about bullying and gossiping, and just feeling good about themselves."

To register for the spring season of Girls on the Run or to find out information about coaching or creating a team visit: girlsontherunofmoco.org