Anyone who tried to argue that Homer doesn’t support young people would have to contest with the 80-plus runners and walkers who turned up on a drizzly Saturday for the Homer Girls on the Run 5K Fun Run/Walk. Despite the gray skies, the day couldn’t have been brighter.

Thank you to everyone who came out to cheer on all eight Girls on the Run participants and  the Kachemak Selo running team. The variety of runners and walkers was astounding and the enthusiasm was as buoyant as the balloons. You all really made a small group of courageous girls feel special. Through registration fees and contributions, enough money was raised to provide eight full scholarships for future seasons.

A successful program starts with dedicated individuals. Very sincere thanks to the coaches and volunteers who donated a total of 209 hours toward making the pilot season of Homer Girls on the Run an unforgettable experience. For  the eight young girls who came twice a week after school for 10 weeks, the confidence, life skills and connections  gained will continue long after the season ends. 

West Homer Elementary generously provided space for the girls to practice.  

Homer United Methodist Church was the perfect venue for our 5K. Thanks to Safeway, McDonald’s, Kachemak Bay Running Club and Women’s Nordic for your  support.  And without the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault and Homer Rotary Club’s partnerships, this program would not have gotten past the starting line.

Girls on the Run is a curriculum designed to boost self-esteem and promote emotional and physical health in third- through fifth-grade girls. It is implemented by Haven House with support from the Girls on the Run Southcentral Alaska  Council. If you’d like information about how to get involved in next season of Girls on the Run please email Tara Schmidt at vista@havenhousealaska.org. 

Rachel Romberg and Tara Schmidt 

Haven House Prevention Team