The Prince George RCMP’s Girls Run for Fun is gearing up for its sixth year. Community Policing Coordinator Linda Parker says the program aims to provide a fun, easy way for teenage girls to stay active.
“Girls between the ages of 10-15 very often drop out of organized sport. So we thought, ‘What can we offer? What can we do in the community?’ So running is a very easy sport to get into because all you need is a good pair of shoes and a willingness to get up off the couch.”
Parker says girls in the program make great strides in fitness and self-confidence and they don’t have to be runners to join.
“We see more willingness on the part of the girls to participate and it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re running. Even if they’re willing to walk, that’s ok with us. It’s more about fun, camaraderie and teaching the girls about health lifestyle choices.”
Parker says the program really is about more than pounding the pavement.
“The girls, they make friends, it’s very social. We have an educational chat before we head out for our runs and at the completion of each session, we have a nutritional snack.”
All that’s needed to take part is a good pair of shoes. Parker says, thanks to community support, the program is able to provide running shoes for girls in need.
“This year, we were very fortunate to receive a grant from the City of Prince George. We have always had fantastic support from Stride and Glide. They’ve been wonderfully supportive and they continue on with their support so we’re looking forward to another great partnership.”
The program kicks off on Tuesday, April 26. Participants meet every Tuesday and Thursday for the next 8 weeks at 4pm at the bandshell in Lheidli T’enneh Memorial Park.
It all wraps up with a 5km run around the park, followed by a picnic for the participants and their families and friends.
Registration can be completed at the RCMP detachment at 455 Victoria Street. You can also contact Linda Parker by email [email protected] for an electronic copy of the registration package.