If Linda Parker ever thought the Prince George RCMP's Girls Run for Fun program would not become a tradition in the city, it was erased a long time ago.
Now entering its sixth year, Parker had a hunch it was here to stay by about the second or third year when she noticed a healthy contingent of returning participants to go along with the newcomers.
"Some of the girls that come into the program are already runners, some of them are not and we spark a passion and they continue running and that's what we love to see," Parker said.
This year's edition starts Tues., April 26 and continues for eight weeks, culminating in a five-kilometre run in and around Lheidli T'enneh Memorial Park on Sat., June 18. Over that time, they meet every Tuesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. at the band shell.
It's open to girls ages 10 to 15, although there is some leeway on that. And those who prefer a brisk walk to a full-fledged run are welcome as well. One burns up as many calories as the other, Parker noted.
"We always break the girls up into groups based on their ability so it's very manageable," Parker said. "And then we have at least two or three leaders for each group, so the girls are never alone."
Each session begins with a guest speaker delivering a message about an issue important to them, such as bullying, self esteem, nutrition, domestic violence, drug and alcohol awareness and social media safety.
There is no registration fee but appropriate footwear is a must.
"That doesn't mean skate shoes, that doesn't mean flip-flops, that means proper running shoes," Parker said. "If the girls don't have proper running shoes, we make arrangements to obtain proper running shoes.
"We've had tremendous support from Stride and Glide and we will again this year."
As many as 60 girls have participated in past years. Last year, there were about 40 and a record-setting 30 of them were there for the finale.
"They brought their families and they brought their friends and it's so tremendous to see so many of them make it to the end and they accomplish that 5K race," Parker said. "You see such delight in their eyes when they cross that finish line, it's wonderful."
Put on by the detachment's community policing and victim services units, it's secured a grant from the city this year. It pays for such items as post-workout snacks and program T-shirts and lowers the cost of running shoes for those who need them.
Registration packages are available at the community policing office in the lobby of the Prince George RCMP detachment, 455 Victoria St., or by e-mailing Parker at [email protected].
For more information contact Parker at 250-561-3319 or Krista Levar at 250-561-3373.
