Girls on the Run Vermont

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

Each spring, when afternoon temperatures in Vermont are often still in the 40s, girls in third through fifth grade emerge from their school buildings to run together. But for the Vermont girls who are part of Girls on the Run, they do a lot more than run — they build friendships, self-confidence and a love of movement.

Girls on the Run Vermont has a strong history of motivating girls physically and mentally, including Olympian Elle St. Pierre. Every year, well over 100 Vermont schools and towns host Girls on the Run, a 10-week program where girls move their bodies while learning lessons about positive self-talk, friendship and inner strength. The program culminates with thousands of girls — from Brattleboro to Barre, Newport to Newfane — coming together in for two celebratory 5K runs. The Essex 5K took place this year on May 30 with the Manchester 5K happening the following weekend on June 6. For more information about Girls on the Run Vermont, visit: https://www.gotrvt.org/

The Bernie Buzz sat down with Girls on the Run Vermont Executive Director Rachel Desautels to learn more about the program and how it has helped tens of thousands of girls in Vermont learn to love exercise and themselves. Rachel says the program succeeds not just because it helps girls grow, but because of the dedicated volunteers who coach each season. These coaches — moms, dads, older siblings, teachers and neighbors from across Vermont — help young people set goals and achieve them. 

At a time when more and more young people are focused on screens and their digital lives, Girls on the Run is a great way to get outside and build in-person friendships and self-confidence.

Sincerely,