A youth running organization is helping kids in the Detroit area build confidence, empathy and friendships, one practice at a time.
Girls on the Run, in partnership with the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, offers two programs that combine a curriculum focused on emotional and social growth with training for a 5K race at the end of each season.
“We have 2 programs. We have Girls on the Run for girls, and then we have PACE for boys,” said Catherine Grinn, program director for Girls on the Run and PACE.
Seasons run 8 to 10 weeks in the fall and 10 to 12 weeks in the spring, with kids meeting twice a week after school to work on both physical training and lessons in kindness and empathy.
Michelle Miller, a coach at Ferndale Upper Elementary, said the transformation she sees in kids over multiple seasons is striking.
“They, they go from - I can’t – to - I did that,” Miller said.
Miller, who has coached for three seasons and had two sons go through the program, said the impact keeps her coming back.
“This is like my third season coaching. I’ve had two sons go through this program. And it’s been amazing,” Miller said.
The organization is now recruiting volunteers for its 5K at Belle Isle on November 15, as well as coaches for the spring season. Grinn said no running experience — or even a child in the program — is required.
“First, you got to love kids. You don’t necessarily have to love running, but you have to love kids,” Miller said.
Community members without children in the program are also welcome to sign up as coaches or race-day volunteers.
“To get involved is real easy. Volunteers, just go to our website,” Grinn said.
More information is available at gotrdetroit.org/volunteer.