Santa Fe Girls on the Run

The primary beneficiary of each year's race are the Girls on the Run chapter of Santa Fe. Our local Girls chapter is headed up by the intrepid Alice Temple (a runner who has casually mentioned to some of us that she had once bandited Boston). Alice has built the local GOTR program to nine programs in eight area elementary schools. The Girls mission is to instill confidence, leadership, and the importance of setting goals through running. Ideals any runner can rally behind.

The Run Around is the spring graduation event for the many young women in the program and Alice expects the Girls turnout from last year's approximately 100 runners, to increase by nearly a third. Magnificent, yes? She's supported of course by several dozen selfless volunteers and adult 'running buddies' who partner with each girl through their graduation runs.

The Run Around has generated nearly $15,000 toward the Girls on the Run program over the last three years which we hope to build on they continue to build on their success. Another stellar reason to get out and enjoy a May morning in downtown Santa Fe, along the river and around the Plaza. Test one's self against the field of runners and energetic groups of young women from Girls on the Run, or walk the 5K with friends and family. Register now and set your fitness goals for May 17th and the approaching summer season.

And of course, one doesn't need to participate in May's Run Around to support the young women of Girls on the Run. Send along a contribution and note of support here, or inquire about volunteering or assisting in coaching duties in their after-school programs.