2007 Program Demographics:

• 1,750 Participants in 3rd and 5th grade
• 260 Coaches
• 56 Sites
• 129 Teams

2007 Program Highlights:

• In 2007, number of teams increased from 118 to 129
• Estimated 5,000 people attended the 5k Celebration Event and was held at the Waldo Football Stadium on the campus of Western Michigan University
• No girls were turned away due to inability to pay, although 76% of our girls required either full or partial financial support to participate
• Parents were surveyed on a five-point scale to measure differences in their daughters since entering the program:
        Physical Activity-Average difference of .84
        Self Confidence-Average difference of .97
        Nutrition-Average difference of .68
        Teamwork-Average difference of .61
• National Girls on the Run Track Program: In 2007, Greater Kalamazoo GOTR, participated in the National Girls on the Run Program. On the national scale, Greater Kalamazoo statistically increased significantly in self-esteem, number of days per week of physical activity, and participation of team sports. On the other hand, Greater Kalamazoo statistically decreased significantly in the amount of body image discrepancy.

Positive Outlooks:
Each girl that participates in Girls on the Run is surveyed at the beginning and end of the program. Girls are asked questions regarding self-confidence, personal appearance, nutritional choices, etc. This year an average increase was made in the following areas:

• "I think I am smart"
• "I am strong"
• "My friends like my ideas"
• "I am physically fit"
• "I drink plenty of water"
• "I can help others"
• "I like being the way I am"
• "When I grow up, I will be an important person"

Decreases in areas included:

• "My looks bother me"
• "I choose junk food as snacks"
• "I don't run well"

CONGRATS TO ALL 2007 PARTICIPANTS!