Regardless of the distance, finishing a race is often a milestone moment for runners and walkers who take on the challenge.

Being a preteen girl can feel somewhat like a race. There are moments of self-doubt, struggles to reach goals that can seem unattainable at times, and there are victories along the way, too.

Girls on the Run aims to harness the self-confidence that comes from physical activity. The after-school program is designed for girls in grades third through fifth, and although the ultimate goal is to complete a 5K (3.1 mile) race together, there are many other lessons learned along the way.

The spring season of Girls on the Run begins March 2, and the goal race is the East Junior High Hornet Run on May 2. The program is non-competitive and open to girls of all fitness levels, according to program director Melissa Bixby.

"Even though 'run' is in the title, we encourage girls of all backgrounds to participate," Bixby says. "All we're doing is encouraging them to move."

Among the program there is talk about avoiding "the girl box," which refers to a place where girls are valued for outward appearances instead of what's inside. Getting stuck in "the girl box" leads to low self-esteem and a bad body image. Girls on the Run is decidedly outside of "the girl box."

Gaining the tools needed to live active, healthy lifestyles is an important component to the program. But there is also a strong emphasis on shaping girls on the inside. The program strives to teach girls how to have a healthy body image, how to be part of a team (giving and receiving support), how to develop a strong sense of identity and learning the value of being part of a community.

Girls learn more about the communities they live in by completing a community service project. One group held a bake sale and donated the money to the Idaho Humane Society, and another group made cards for veterans.

Girls meet twice a week after school for about 75 minutes. Each gathering includes a lesson or discussion topic, such as how to stand up for yourself, in addition to a game or group activity, and a group exercise where girls can run, walk or jog. Girls on the Run works with schools throughout the valley to offer the program, including Boise, Eagle, Meridian, Nampa, Caldwell and Middleton. Students don't have to attend the school hosting the program in order to participate, Bixby says.

In addition to welcoming girls from all levels of fitness, the program also welcomes girls from all economic backgrounds. The cost to participate is based on a sliding scale. About 200 girls sign up for each season, Bixby says.

Volunteer coaches are needed each season. Like the girls who join the program, running isn't a requirement. Women ages 21 and older can apply to become a coach. The most important thing they can bring to the table is a good attitude.

"We just want positive role models for the girls and women who are committed to developing and celebrating our youth," Bixby says.

Chereen Langrill: 672-6733