Come cheer Girls on the Run and STRIDE as they celebrate spring season!

The YMCA of Greater Brandywine’s spring 2016 Girls on the Run/STRIDE 5K Challenge is a wonder to witness. Hundreds upon hundreds of kids will lace up at 9 a.m. Saturday, June 4, and run for fun and fitness, trying to beat their own personal best scores and support their friends in the process.

You and your family are invited to West Chester East High School, 450 Ellis Lane, West Chester, to help cheer on some 1,500 girls and boys as they close out 12 weeks of after-school fitness and character-building lessons.

In fact, this is one of the largest classes the Y has fielded and the event will inspire you. After all, the power of these programs isn’t just in the running.

Both programs focus on developing healthy habits, self-respect and acceptance so that kids are less vulnerable to social pressures that may encounter. As a result, they’re better equipped to face real challenges such as substance abuse or body image and more sensitive to helping others achieve success and satisfaction as well.

The elementary and middle school students who participate get the benefits of sports without the negative side of competition.

Saturday’s event will be especially great for the members of STRIDE, which stands for Success +Teamwork + Respect + Inspiration + Determination = Excellence in Character.

What started right here in Chester County as a program to promote healthy living, community responsibility and working together as core values among boys has taken root and grown and continues to blossom. Today, there are 15 STRIDE programs across the country, in places ranging from Detroit to Minnesota to North Carolina – and growing.

Key event sponsors include M&T Bank, Athleta, FOX Supports, Cigna, Smartwool, Asics, the Chester County Fund for Women and Girls and Precision/Safeguard.

Want to learn more? Find details at www.ymcagbw.org.

Disclaimer:  Chester County Moms is a proud partner with the YMCA of Greater Brandywine.