Young Females Are Making Strides Thanks to Girls on the Run

by Kirsten Ebert

Girls on the Run Birmingham Metro, a local nonprofit, is inspiring young females in the community to do much more than just exercise! While running and exercise does play a role in their programs, the organization’s primary goal is to instill confidence in young females and help girls feel comfortable making good decisions as they grow up. The girls meet after school twice a week for three months to train for a 5K run while learning how to make positive lifestyle choices.

“I see the pressures women and girls face to be perfect and the way they feel that they are not quite good enough, which causes them to make themselves smaller than they really are,” says Executive Director Catherine Gregory. The programs are designed to allow young women to be themselves and embrace their potential. “Women and girls who are not afraid to speak up, to lead, to laugh, and to serve make the whole community a better place,” adds Gregory.

Girls on the Run was founded in Charlotte, North Carolina where Gregory was a volunteer coach for two years. After a four year stint at the Delaware chapter of Girls on the Run, Gregory moved to Birmingham in 2009. She worked with the community to bring Girls on the Run to Jefferson County.  Girls on the Run is a volunteer based organization and the organization is currently looking for enthusiastic people to help coach, mentor, and lead the girls through the program. Get involved in the community and help girls exercise their bodies and their spirits to grow into confident young women!

For more information, visit the organization online at girlsontherunbham.org. You can sign up to volunteer at girlsontherunbham.org/volunteer/coach.