Article posted: 3/23/2013 5:00 AM

Running program empowers girls — body and mind

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Laina Driver and Nicolina Helms, both of Crystal Lake, get ready for last year's season-ending Girls on the Run 5K.

Courtesy of Julie Monacella/Monacella Photography

Nearly 9,000 members make up Girls on the Run's two Chicago-area councils; across the U.S. and in Canada there are more than 120,500 GOTR members. Pictured is the Northwest Illinois Council 5K last May.

Courtesy of Laurie Dayon

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At the 5K, girls run with a buddy. Some girls, like Julia Fier, left, pick their dads to be running buddies. Running partners get in shape during a practice run, said twin Lauren Fier, right, whose buddy was the school secretary.

Courtesy of Julie Monacella/Monacella Photography

About this Article

Girls on the Run, a nonprofit program for girls in grades three to five, and Girls on Track, the partner program for middle school girls, hit the starting line as soon as March roars in. Running alongside the physical part of the program is a curriculum that stresses self, team and community.