G.US CHAMPIONSHIPS
INDIANAPOLIS — When school counselor Mary Elizabeth Lotierzo spoke to USA Track & Field officials in September, she knew the best thing for the girls in her 4th, 5th and 6th grade running club would be to enter the Nationwide Insurance 5K, held in conjunction with the 2013 .US National Road Racing Championships this Sunday in Alexandria.
A “fun” 5km to be contested on the streets of Alexandria, the Nationwide Insurance 5K presented an opportunity for kids to get starting with running. USATF and .US donated entries to more than 30 students at Mt. Vernon Woods Elementary School who are part of the schoolʼs “Lady Panthers” running group. The students ran along with “buddy runners” – teachers from the school. Collectively, the runners embraced the chance to “Run with .US” at USATFʼs inaugural, overall national championship road race.
“Iʼm so grateful for such a generous gift to our athletes.” said Lotierzo. “The girls were able to set a goal of running a 5K and now theyʼll be able to do it.”
ETS GIRLS RUNNING
IN COMMUNITY PROGRAM BUILDING FUTURES
The Lady Panthers train after school two days per week. In its third year, the group focuses on building self-esteem and self-confidence in girls. Mt. Vernon Woods Elementary is a school of over 700 students, nearly 85% receive reduced or no cost lunch.
“Our main goal is for the girls to come together and work as a team,” Lotierzo said. “We do several team building activities to build a community. We also pick captains, who facilitate stretching (in warm- ups). These captains show the most positivity, perseverance, and pride.”
One of the groupʼs team-building activities was a fundraiser to help raise funds to pay for a bus for the commute to the race.
RACE DAY TIPS
The Lady Panther crossed the line of the Nationwide 5K and were treated to a private audience with Olympian and USATF board member Deena Kastor. She spoke to the athletes and their runner buddies about the importance of living a healthy, active lifestyle and enjoying running.
Athletes posed for photos with Kastor and got autographs capping off a fun-filled day of activity.
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