Running, life lessons and smiles, all a part of another edition of Girls On The Run

BATTLE CREEK - Smiling, giggling and running. All were of equal importance as 500-plus girls from almost 30 different schools came together for another edition of Girls On The Run Saturday.

For the 17th year, the Calhoun County Girls On The Run program brought together a wide array of girls for this physical fitness-inspired program, that also has a way of creating life lessons and a lot of fun at the same time.

"This event is important because 29 schools that have this program in Calhoun County, come together to celebrate completing the program," said program coordinator Shelby Grable. "What is so cool is that these girls don't realize how big the program is until they arrive on Harper Creek's campus and see 500 more girls just like them.

"These girls have learned life lessons through our Girls On The Run curriculum that will stick with them forever. Once they complete the 5K, they feel a sense of accomplishment, whether they walk, run, hop, skip or jump to the finish line. Just as long as they keep moving forward is what is most important."

It was the ninth year the program, which features students in grades third through fifth, has been held at Harper Creek High School. The non-competitive 5K run serves as the culmination of a 10-week program aimed to encourage positive emotional, social, mental and physical development.

Established in 2007, Girls On The Run of Calhoun County is an independent council of Girls on the Run International, a nonprofit with a network of more than 200 councils across 50 states and the District of Columbia.

"We are happy to have the support of Harper Creek. This is our ninth year of using their facilities and campus. It is a kid-friendly course and that was our main focus when creating it. Harper Creek has been very collaborative with Girls on the Run to ensure we have a successful 5K," Grable said. "In addition to the support of Harper Creek, we are grateful for our big sponsors this season, Bandeen Orthodontics, Insurance Network, Roach Home Improvement and Burn Boot Camp. These sponsors believe in empowering young girls in our community and we would not be where we are today without them."

C ontact Bill Broderick at bbroderi@battlecreekenquirer.com. Follow him on X/Twitter @billbroderick.

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Running, life lessons and smiles, all a part of another edition of Girls On The Run