By Payton Tholstrup
Photo courtesy of Allie Fitzgeralds
Clay Center Parks & Recreation and Clay Counts Coalition have partnered together to bring a new program to Clay Center called Girls on the Run.
Girls On the Run, a national program, combines physical activity with lessons focused on building confidence, friendships, and life skills to girls in 3rd-5th grade.
Because both Parks & Rec and Clay Counts Coalition are committed to creating opportunities that support the health and well-being of kids and families in the community, the program seemed like the perfect partnership.
Allie Fitzgeralds, coach for Girls on the Run in Clay Center, said, “Parks & Rec already has a strong role in youth activities and Clay Counts is focused on promoting healthy lifestyles, so working together allows us to reach more families and offer a program that blends physical activity with growth.”
Fitzgeralds became involved with Girls on the Run because she strongly believes in the power of giving girls a space where they can feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
“Growing up, I didn’t always have access to programs that combined both physical and emotional development, and I see the difference something like this can make,” she said.
While running is an important part of the program, the bigger picture is about helping girls see their own strength, set goals, and believe in themselves – both on and off the track.
Each session blends a life lesson about topics like teamwork, gratitude, or handling peer pressure, with activities that involve movement. Running builds gradually to ensure girls of all abilities feel included, while the discussions and activities give them tools they can use every day.
“The balance keeps it fun and approachable, while still challenging them to grow in both body and mind,” said Fitzgeralds. “Girls on the Run is about more than running, it’s about helping young girls believe in themselves, and that’s something I want to be part of.”
Fall season practices began the week of September 15th. The girls meet during their time at Project LEAD, an afterschool program.
On November 16th, they will participate in a celebratory 5K in Manhattan. The theme of the 5K is Be Your Own Superhero.
Fitzgeralds hopes the girls walk away not just proud of completing a 5K, but with a deeper sense of who they are and what they’re capable of. In the moment, she wants them to feel the joy of being active, making friends, and supporting one another.
“Long term, I hope the lessons they learn, like how to stand up for themselves, set goals, and show kindness, stay with them as they grow into strong, confident young women.”
