Girls on the Run/STRIDE

Girls on the Run and STRIDE are afterschool programs that meet twice a week for ten weeks. The programs are offered in the spring and the fall at participating schools. Each season culminates with a 5K run in Jacksonville. The Physical Therapy Clinic's Merry Fitness 5K is held on the first Saturday in December and the Marine Chevy Shuffle is held on the second Saturday of May. Both races are held at Jacksonville Commons Elementary School at 9 am. The races are open to the public and the race proceeds help fund the programs. All participants in Girls on the Run and STRIDE are registered for the race when they enroll in the program.

Girls on the Run® and Stride are non-profit prevention programs that encourage pre-teen girls and boys to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. The Wilmington Family YMCA administers Girls on the Run and STRIDE of Coastal Carolina and serves the counties Columbus, Brunswick, Pender, Onslow, Duplin, Jones, Lenoir, New Hanover, Sampson, and Carteret. 

These programs aren't just about finishing a race. They're about developing a lifetime of healthy habits and healthy living. Every participant learns valuable life lessons that include:

• nutrition and fitness
• goal setting
• nutrition and fitness
• goal setting
• communication skills
• making a difference
• working as a team
• character development

Girls on the Run is for 3rd through 5th grade girls and Girls on Track is for girls in middle school. STRIDE is for 3rd through 6th grade boys. There is no need to have any previous running experience and kids don't even have to consider themselves athletic to participate. The great thing about running is that anyone can do it! You don't need lots of money or time to get in shape and learn a new skill. Come join the fun and experience the positive rewards of finishing a race and stepping across the finish line!