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Girls on the Run is a non-profit organization throughout America and Canada whose mission is to use the power of running to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. On a sunny but chilly Saturday morning, Dec. 12, at Seward Park, girls from 13 Seattle schools including 12 kids from Pathfinder and Alki ran a 5K race, one of the organization's activities. Each girl wore the number #1 and was considered a winner despite finish times on the course through the park and along Lake Washington.

"I think it's wonderful and it's just been amazing today," said Amber Swim, program coordinator, Girls on the Run of Puget Sound, while toting an arc of pink and green balloons from the start to finish line a couple hundred yards down a park path.

"This event gives them confidence finishing a 5K race which in the long run takes in all aspects of their lives," she added. "They know they are able to set and accomplish a goal, whether it is learning to play the violin, going out for a sport, or getting into college."

"It's cold out here," exclaimed Ellie Dunn just minutes before starting her run. She is a Pathfinder 3rd grader.

"I am faster by one second," remarked Ellie's running partner, friend, and classmate Cate Sawyer. Cate chose to streak her hair red for the run. Others wore capes, foam crowns, and other costumes to add to the festive atmosphere.

"We heard about the Girls on the Run program at the Hiawatha Center," said Ellie's mom and assistant coach Ruth Herman Dunn. "This is the first year Pathfinder participated. It's purpose is to educate girls on physical, emotional, and social health," she added. "Each practice has an educational component, like teach girls problems with drugs and alcohol. Some of these 3rd through 5th grade. girls are already getting messages about how to look, and may think 'I'm not thin enough. I'm not athletic.' It's really amazing to see girls open up and realize they can run a race. This helps give them a healthy body image."

"My dad offered me coffee by I denied it," said Sage Kalil, a 5th grader at Lafayette. She loves running and acknowledges she is somewhat of an extravert.

"This organization is great," said Sage's dad, Brad. It teaches them about how to take care of themselves through athletics, about bullying, and the dangers of taking drugs. It's an empowering thing because it's only about girls."