Jaclyn Arbogast of Richmond Hill will be spearheading the organizing team in charge of the Girls on the Run 5K, set for April 28 on the campus of Savannah State University.
Arbogast, who moved to Georgia from Staten Island, New York, is no stranger to event logistics. As a former deputy chief of operations planning for the Coast Guard, Arbogast was in charge of the start of the New York City Marathon for three years, among other things.
“I learned about Girls on the Run through my daughter, who participated in the program,” Arbogast said. “Through Girls on the Run, she acclimated well to her new community and came out of her shell.
“She used to be quiet, with no desire to participate in group activities or sports. But she has developed a love for running and has since completed two 5Ks before her 11thbirthday. Her self-confidence in group settings has flourished, as well as her ability to navigate the social pressures of the preteen years.”
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that teaches key life skills to girls in grades 3-8 through dynamic discussions and fun games that integrate running.
Girls on the Run of Coastal Georgia has been serving Chatham, Bryan, Effingham and Liberty counties since 1996. The program started with 30 girls in 4 sites and now serves over 1,000 girls in 40 sites.
Arbogast is but one of many happy parents and guardians who have seen the transformational impact of Girls on the Run. Jessica Small, Richmond Hill resident and GOTR Committee member, has a 10-year-old daughter in her second season at Richmond Hill Elementary School.
“From a parent’s perspective, I love the positivity of the program and how the girls build each other up. My daughter has been involved in other activities, but she has taken to this unlike anything else,” Small said. “Her confidence has been boosted and she is more secure in herself. She really feels she can do anything.
“My kid was the timid child, not the type to jump into team sports. Through this program, she feels good about herself, has made friends and is happy and excited before each Girls on the Run session.”
The current spring program is underway and will culminate with the 5K on April 28 on the campus of Savannah State University in Savannah. Girls from throughout Coastal Georgia and the South Carolina Lowcountry will participate.
Community runners are encouraged to start teams or run as individuals in support of the girls. The registration fee is $25 in advance and $30 the day of the race. Register by going to www.gotrcoastalgeorgialowcountry.org.
For information on Girls on the Run 5K, Summer Day Camp, or for more information on becoming a coach or volunteering for Girls on the Run, contact Maria Center at maria.center@girlsontherun.org or 912-349-1528. Additional information can be found at wwwgotrcoastalgeorgialowcountry.org.