Barlow Mountain Wraps Successful Running Program in Ridgefield

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Barlow Mountain Elementary School began two new parent-led running programs this past April, both taking place before school twice per week.

The programs are national programs known as Girls on the Run, for 3rd-5th grade girls, and Let Me Run for 4th and 5th grade boys. There were over 25 participants in both programs this spring, led by four volunteer parent-coaches, all avid-runners. Both programs have a similar, multifaceted approach, open to children of all fitness levels; they focus on personal responsibility, positive thinking, as well as taking care of themselves and their environment. The programs also focus on how to help the child find his/her own inner-strength, and the parent-coaches are trained how to do just that prior to the start of the program.

There is also an optional 5K at the end of both courses, (8-week course for Let me Run, 10-week course for Girls on the Run). The 5K races both took place Father’s Day weekend this June, and it was a way for all the participants to celebrate their hard work, applaud their accomplishments, and plan for their next fun-run.