Arlington Elementary students run for a good cause

Over 100 4^th and 5^th grade girls from Arlington’s Bishop, Brackett, Dallin, Hardy, Pierce, Stratton, and Thompson elementary schools will participate in the 17^th annual Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle on Sunday, May 19^th in Somerville. The event supports the Mystic River Watershed Association (MyRWA), an Arlington based non-profit organization, and draws attention to the return of the herring to the Mystic River.

Fit Girls is a national initiative created by Sarah Nixon, an accomplished marathoner and school librarian. The Fit Girls Fitness Program combines running and reading to promote active living, instill a love of literature, build self-esteem, foster supportive relationships among girls and women, and encourage community connection.  The program started at the Bishop school in 2010 by parent and runner Roblyn Brigham. Since then, Fit Girls has expanded to every elementary school in town, now reaching over 150 students.

The Fit Girls met twice a week for eight weeks to engage in team-building and workouts with increasing intensity.  Inspirational quotes and books with strong female characters were presented at each practice to give the team something to ponder while they ran.  

“Through the program, we emphasize that the girls can achieve anything with effort, tenacity, and support of a team.  The Herring Run is a perfect culminating event for Fit Girls because it inspires them to think about how they can contribute to the world around them.  And, given that the Mystic River is right in their back yards, the issues MyRWA raises are tangible and immediately relevant to these girls.”

“It’s an honor to have the Fit Girls at the Herring Run and Paddle,” said Beth MacBlane, race organizer and outreach coordinator for the Mystic River Watershed Association. “The girls have trained so hard and have such great enthusiasm – it’s great to see!” 

 For more information about Fit Girls, contact Roblyn Brigham at  roblyn@bnra.net, about national Fit Girls visit www.fitgirls.org, and about the Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle visit www.mysticriver.org/herring-run-paddle/.