Since 2002, Girls on the Run of Puget Sound has operated an after-school prevention program for third through fifth grade girls throughout the region and this year it finally comes to West Seattle with two new programs; one at Pathfinder Alternative School and another at Hiawatha Community Center starting Sept. 28.

Kerin Brasch, executive director of the local chapter of the non-profit group, said Girls on the Run is an after school program that combines physical activity with self-esteem building, "life lessons," aimed at preparing young girls for the challenges they will likely face in middle school.

"It's more than running," she said.

The mission, said Brasch is to "use the power of running to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living."

The curriculum centers around instilling independence and confidence in girls through activities originally developed by Molly Barker in 1996 in Charlotte, N.C.

Girls can encounter many challenges when entering middle school because it's a time when their bodies and minds are changing, said Brasch.There are outside influences, too, such as dieting and pressure to be more mature than they may be ready for.

"If you have good self-esteem and self-respect, you don't fall into some of those disorders that stem from not feeling good about yourself," she said.

Brasch said the curriculum is designed to encourage the girls to "think outside the girl box," which is to say, to think for themselves and be less effected by outside influences that tell them they should think, act or look a certain way.

Each program lasts 10 weeks, after school for about an hour-and-a-half. It concludes with a 5k race (un-timed) and combines girls from the local chapters. Last year's race took place at Magnuson Park with more than 400 participating, said Brasch.

This year's will be held at Seward Park, Dec. 12 at 9 a.m. The community is invited and Brasch said several volunteer coaches are still needed for the race and the general program.

Some of the lessons the girls learn through physical activity include cooperation, respect of values, gratitude and nutrition, to name a few. It starts out with light running and relay races, gradually becoming more challenging as the program progresses.

"It doesn't matter if you walk, crawl or roll-- just set a goal for yourself and complete it," said Brasch. "That can really apply to anything."

Barker, a four-time Hawaii Ironman tri-athlete, has also developed curriculum aimed at middle school girls. Brasch hopes to implement that program in West Seattle in the next few years.

A former high school teacher and track coach, Barker has worked as a counselor addressing the needs of women with eating disorders, alcohol and substance addictions and depression, according to www.girlsrun.org. Learn more about her here.

The cost for the program is a maximum of $140, but Brash said there are also sliding scale options based on income and family size.

"We don't turn anybody away," she said.

Fundraiser event at Click! Design That Fits
2210 California Ave. S.W.

On Aug. 27 from 6 to 9 p.m., sample three sparking wines while shopping. Ten percent of all purchases will be donated to Girls on the Run of Puget Sound.

Sign up or volunteer

To sign up for the program click here or call Karin Brasch at 528-2118, kerin@girlsrun.org. Also, try Amber Swim, program coordinator at amber@girlsrun.org.

Girls on the Run of Puget Sound is an affiliate council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of 160 locations across the United States and Canada.