Register for 'Girls on the Run of Buffalo' spring season

"Girls on the Run of Buffalo," a nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum, which creatively integrates running, is now accepting registrations for its spring season. The 10-week after-school curriculum for girls in third through eighth grades combines training for a 5K run with lessons that empower girls to celebrate their self-esteem, honor their voices, and embrace their individual gifts.

More than 90 local schools from 30-plus school districts in Western New York are hosting "Girls on the Run" as part of an after-school program run by volunteer coaches. Teams of up to 15 girls are led through lessons that include topics to enable girls to effectively problem solve and remain strong during adolescence. Topics include dealing with body image and the media, resisting peer-pressure, making healthy decisions, and contributing to the community. The program concludes with all participants walking or running in the GOTR 5k Sunday, June 8, at UB North.

Register online at www.gotrbuffalo.org. The program begins the week of March 24. Those interested can check the website for current schools hosting the program, and for practice days. Girls can only join at schools they attend.

Programs begin after school and require parent pick-up. The cost of the program is $150 per girl. Financial aid is available.

Girls on the Run International, the parent organization, has grown to more than 220 cities across North America, serving more than 60,000 girls annually. "Girls on the Run of Buffalo" debuted in the fall of 2010 and will soon begin its seventh season in Western New York.