5K run to conclude year for new group that empowers young girls

By Becky Uehling

Grant Tribune-Sentinel

When Sarah Korpan and her oldest daughter Selah lived near Chicago, the two were introduced to an after-school program called Girls on the Run. The duo found the program for young girls,which is centered around learning joy, health and confidence, to be an amazing, rewarding experience. 

“The character development that this program provides is incredible,” Korpan said. 

So, when Korpan moved her family back to her hometown of Grant, she wanted to bring the program with her to introduce to her youngest daughter. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect. 

According to Amy Cyphers, executive director of the Girls on the Run of Nebraska, the organization has had a few requests to start a program in Southwest Nebraska. So when Sarah called seeking to do just that, Cyphers was thrilled. 

“It’s exciting to launch the team in Perkins County,” Cypher said. “We’re thrilled to finally host a team (in southwest Nebraska.)”

Before COVID hit the state, Grant residents Shana Kraus and Angela Gloy had contacted Cyphers with interest in starting a team in the county, but the pandemic halted their efforts. Kraus has continued with the Perkins County team, Korpan said. 

A Program to Empower Girls

Girls on the Run, which is a 10-week program that serves girls in 3rd-6th grades, began in Charlotte, N.C., in 1996, and in Nebraska in 2003. 

The after-school program uses a nationally standardized curriculum to promote healthy lifestyles and self-esteem, Cyphers said. 

In Nebrasks, the program serves 1,353 girls at 88 sites this current school year. The GOTR-Nebraska state council is one of 180 councils across the United States and Canada, Cyphers said.

A 5K fun run/walk is held as a finale each year for the groups, where the girls can celebrate all of the hard work and training they put in during the year, Korpan said. The Perkins County team will also have an end-of-the year activity of picking up trash in the community, she said.

Community Support is High

“The community support has been great for the program (in Perkins County), and I’m confident the girls and coaches had a blast training for their 5K,” Cyphers said.

Korpan echoes Cyphers’ enthusiasm about the support the team has gotten from Perkins County residents and school staff, but especially from Kraus and Melissa Potts, who have helped tremendously by coaching the girls and leading the lessons, Korpan said. Also helping is Lauren Klima, who has helped organize the 5K run, she said.

Korpan praised the ladies, saying each has experience in running professionally, something that she lacks, she joked. 

“These ladies have long-distance running expertise,” Korpan said. “As for me, I remember crying during cross-country practices sometimes.”

Korpan also gives credit to PC School’s teacher Rochelle Hazelton and the administration for their support.

Twice-a-Week Meetings

GOTR Teams meet for 75 minutes twice a week for 10 weeks. The Perkins County team started in March and will end this Saturday, May 6 after competing in a 5K fun run/walk. However, the team’s season could be set at any other time during the year, which is something that Korpan and the other volunteers will consider for next year, she said. 

During their twice-a-week meetings, the Perkins County GOTR team has played interactive running games as they train to compete in a 5K run/walk, Korpan said. 

Lessons have also centered around health, communication, teamwork and self-respect, along with the physical training.

“So girls get much more than exercise,” Cyphers said. “The program teaches young girls the value of setting goals and working hard to achieve them in a noncompetitive, supportive environment.”

5K is this Weekend

In Nebraska this year there are 47, 5K races being held across Nebraska in 2023, Cyphers said. The Perkins County 5K run will take place at the Perkins County High School track starting at 8 a.m. this Saturday. 

Korpan encourages everyone to come out and celebrate with the girls, even if they don’t want to run. A free-will donation will be accepted this weekend from those who want to give to help off-set next year’s tuitions, she said.

Looking for Sponsors

Korpan said the Perkins County team had 11 girls on it this year, and she is hopeful that others will want to participate next year. 

There is a cost for those who want to be a part of the program, with the money going to pay for the group’s insurance, background checks for all volunteers, funding for the race—including advertising, give-away items, etc.,— along with several items for the girls that participate, including t-shirts, bags, personalized running bibs, car magnet, bandannas, among other things, Korpan said. 

Because of the cost, the Perkins County GOTR team is seeking sponsors. Korpan said Pinnacle Bank is a sponsor this year for the group, and the Grant Lions Club has committed sponsoring two girls for next year’s program, she said.

The Future is Bright

Korpan is excited to see where the future will lead with the program, and is considering pursuing having the  Perkins County site serve as the regional site for Southwest Nebraska. 

Those who would like more information on the program can email or call Korpan at read.write.grow.forever@gmail.com or at 815-403-9536.