47 girls from Falls Church who attend St. James Catholic School and Thomas Jefferson Elementary School will participate in the Girls on the Run 5K in Arlington on Sunday, May 15. The event, which is presented by Cigna, is the culmination of a 10 week youth development program designed to help pre-adolescent girls gain important life skills.

“Girls on the Run is committed to building a stronger, healthier community by building stronger and healthier girls,” said Monica Schmude, senior vice president Mid-Atlantic for Cigna. “As a company dedicated to helping customers stay well, prevent sickness, obtain access to healthcare, recover from illness or injury, return to work and provide for their families, we are excited to support Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia as they promote the overall health and well-being of young girls and their families.”

Over 2,400 girls in grades 3 – 8 were trained in the program by volunteer coaches who offer lessons on positive self-talk, healthy friendships, nutrition, gratitude and much more. Girls on the Run integrates a proven curriculum with physical exercise, helping girls to develop the confidence and character they need to become strong, healthy women. For more information, visit gotrnova.org.