Girls on The Run, a non-profit program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles, sponsored a 5K run for girls of the program and other supporters in the community in Mattoon on Saturday.

Girls on the Run is a program dedicated to empowering young girls.

The first Girls on the Run 5K event for the Mattoon-Charleston area was on Saturday morning at the Mattoon YMCA.

The YMCA, who is in partnership with Girls on the Run, has also been the main meeting place for the entirety of the program.

This event was not your typical 5K, said Beth Gillespie, the head coach and council director of the local branch of the program.

Gillespie was dressed in a bright tutu and was acted as a cheerleader for everyone involved.

By passing out ribbons to each person when they crossed the finish line and shouting words of encouragement, Gillespie and the other coaches said they were trying to show their dedication to the

program.

Many people were there cheering on the runners, even if they did not know anyone actually participating.

Marguerite Martin, of Charleston, said she heard about the program through a friend and wanted to show her support anyway she could.

“It’s nice to see that a program like this that can teach these girls such a positive message and also make it fun at the same time,” Martin said. “Your teen years can be hard. With this program, hopefully, they will know not to always believe what they may hear or see on TV.”

The mission statement of Girls on the Run is to “inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident and using a fun, experience-based

curriculum.”

Sydni Staton, who has been involved with the program since it first started in the area 10 weeks ago, said she has learned to always try your best.

“Be respectful and appreciate things,” she said. “Don’t bully or gossip about people.”

Staton said she advises other to work their hardest and do good things for others.

“You need to take care of your community” Staton said.

Staton’s mother said she heard about the program on WMCI and contacted Gillispie. “It’s all been so positive,” Staton’s mother said.

Although the program is centered around preteen girls, there were not just women there.

Hans Warner, from Mattoon, who participated in the 5K, said he was there to show his support for his daughter and her peers.

“She’s very energetic about it,” Warner said. “They all did great.”

The program will start again in the spring and the age limits are expanding to welcome more members.

Brittany Floyd can be reached at 581-2812 or [email protected].