Five kilometres of running is all that separates a group of young girls from completion of an eight-week exercise in building fitness, self-esteem and confidence.
Since May 1, more than 50 school-aged girls have met twice a week after school for physical activity sessions at Fort George Park, where they discussed with female role models such topics as gang activities, bullying, healthy eating, drug and alcohol awareness, Internet and cell phone safety and the benefits of staying active.
On Saturday at 11 a.m. at the park, the second annual Girls Fun Run and post-race picnic will cap off the program, organized by the RCMP and its Community Policing program.
"It was a huge success last year with over 60 girls registered and this year we have over 50 girls registered, all between the ages of 10 and 15 years," said Community Policing co-ordinator Linda Parker. "We try to focus on inner-city schools, although all girls are welcome and we've had quite a representation from across Prince George."
Twelve-year-old Mackenzie Foster was part of the inaugural Fun Run program last year and liked it enough to want to came back for more. She's looking forward to Saturday's race.
"Now that I know I can run 5K I know I can do that much more," said Foster. "It helps me know, physically and emotionally, I can do this."
The girls were split into four training groups, based on their physical abilities. Parker has seen several examples of girls initially dead-set against participating in the program, whose attitudes abruptly change once they start.
"At the end of eight weeks, they've made friends, they have self-confidence, and being able to finish the 5K race is just a feather in their cap," said Parker. "They're immensely proud of that accomplishment, and they should be."
The program was the brainchild of RCMP Const. Amanda Stockdale, with help from Parker and RCMP Victim Services co-ordinator Krista Lavar.
"This is all about women," said Parker. "The speakers we had were all women, mainly from RCMP Community Policing, RCMP Victim Services, and RCMP members. It was girls talking to girls."
All girls who take part in the race will receive T-shirts and medals, and special awards will be handed out to the top three runners. Integris Credit Union sponsored the program, providing heathy snacks during the weekly training sessions and food for Saturday's picnic.
A running shoe donation drive helped out girls who were unable to provide their own suitable footwear. Any leftover shoes collected have been donated to the New Hope Society.
Race registration starts Saturday at 10 a.m. Parker said the running route had to be diverted to avoid the bridge around the Hudson Bay slough, which was left flooded by the Fraser River. The runners will circle the park and run through residential streets in the Millar Addition.
