'You can do this!': Girls on the Run helps empower youth through comradery and exercise

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- 700 girls hit the starting line for the annual Girls on the Run 5k on Sunday, Nov. 10. 

"I would want them to know that you can do this," said Grace Merker, 4th grader.

Fourth grader Grace Merker has been in Girls on the Run for two years. She says she's learned a lot about what she's capable of through the program.

"How to build your star power and how to move mountains. Moving mountains is not saying 'I can't' and the star power is the 'I can' power," Merker explained.

Lessons Merker says all girls should know.

"So, they aren't like 'I can't do this,' and also learn how to build themselves up, not tear themselves down," said Merker.

According to a study conducted by YPulse and the Confidence Code for Girls, between the ages of 8 and 14, girls' confidence levels drop by 30%.

"Confidence is the core of what we are building in these girls. The stats out there of girl's confidence dropping by 8 or 9, they're dropping out of youth sports by age 10. This is something that cannot happen," said Tina Jones, executive director of Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin. "There's a direct correlation with the increase in social media use and the decrease in physical activity, the increase in feels of isolation and depression."

While building confidence, inner strength and learning how to build each other up, the girls train for a 5k.

"These are girls are working really hard, they train twice a week for eight weeks, they set their goals, they run those laps, and they build up their stamina and their confidence to get to a place like today where they can cross that finish line," Jones explained.

Jones says this program gives the girls valuable lessons they will carry into their adult years.

"Lessons of building health relationships, supporting each other, giving them a place to belong, understanding the importance of physical activity," said Jones.

The upcoming spring season will kick off March 2025 to learn more click here.