Girls on the Run 5K Marks Program Growth in Verde Valley

By Sean Openshaw

November 9, 2024

The crisp morning air in Camp Verde was filled with excitement as young girls and their supporters gathered for the second annual Girls on the Run 5K event, marking a significant milestone in the program's expansion throughout Northern Arizona.

Program Reaches New Heights in Verde Valley

"I'm really excited to be at the second Verde Valley 5K, just to know that the program is growing," said Marnie Babbitt-Pierce, former Council Director of Girls on the Run of Northern Arizona.

"When I started with the program, we had 14 teams in and around Coconino County, and it has grown to four counties. It's just so exciting to see the program reaching girls in so many communities where they need it, where they don't have as many options for after-school programming."

The event brought together teams from across Yavapai County, including Yarnell, Prescott, Prescott Valley, Sedona, Cottonwood, and Camp Verde. For current Council Director Kelly Teeselink, hosting the 5K in Verde Valley represents more than just a running event.

"What excites me about the Girls on the Run 5K here in the Verde Valley is it just means that we are growing and we are big enough to be able to host an event to support these teams," Teeselink said. "I think it shows that we have sustainability here, that the program is wanted here, and that we'll continue to host our program here."

Creating Belonging in a Digital Age

In an era where technology often dominates youth interaction, Girls on the Run provides a crucial space for personal connection.

"I think these girls want a place where they feel like they belong. That's what all humans want, honestly. But when you're 8, 9, 10 years old, I think that is something that is deeply desired," Teeselink explained.

"In a time where there's more isolation than ever when it comes to phones being a big part of how kids communicate with each other, having a space like this is really, really important. Where phones are not present, they're really building deep meaningful connections with their coaches and with their peers."

A Day of Achievement

For Pierce, who has been involved with the program since 2014, the 5K event holds special significance.

"This is my favorite day of the year, even over my birthday and over Christmas, just because of the joy on their faces that they've set this goal for themselves," she shared.

"They come out here, they accomplish it, they learn that they can do hard things, they can do what they set their mind to."

Community Support Essential for Growth

As the program continues to expand, both leaders emphasized the importance of community involvement.

"We would love to embed Girls on the Run in this community even more. And what that means is more support," Teeselink said.

"We need more coaches, more 5K volunteers, more people just talking about Girls on the Run. And I think if they do come to a 5K, they're going to experience the Girls on the Run magic and hopefully feel enticed to participate in whatever way makes sense for them in the future."

Pierce echoed this sentiment, encouraging community members to get involved.

"If you're thinking about getting involved with Girls on the Run, I encourage you to start small. Come out to a 5K. Be a running buddy. See what that's like. Or if you're ready to jump off the deep end, join the advisory board. There's a place for everyone in Girls on the Run just like there's a place for every girl on our teams."

Looking to the Future

The success of the Verde Valley 5K represents a promising future for the program.

"I hope that this event shows our girls and our families and the Verde Valley community that just like at Girls on the Run, there is a place for them," Teeselink said.

"This is a place where we're not celebrating the first girl that crosses the finish line, we're celebrating every single girl that crosses the finish line, and we want them to feel that in their bones."

To the girls who completed the 5K, Teeselink offered a powerful message that captures the essence of the program's lasting impact.

"I hope that they take that feeling that they felt when they crossed the finish line and showed themselves and proved to themselves that they can do hard things, especially with the support of others. I hope they can take that into every other aspect of their life and know that they can do really hard things and know that they have the support of others."