Girls On The Run

Molly Barker with a young girl.



More than 3,000 girls and parents ran through downtown Kalamazoo Thursday as the nation's largest Girls on the Run program celebrated another succesful year.

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, character development program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade. Their mission is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. They use the power of running to provide girls with the tools to:

* Celebrate their bodies
* Honor their voices
* Recognize their gifts, and
* Activate their personal power

The Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run is an affiliate council of Girls on the Run International, founded in 1996, by Molly Barker, a visionary who coined the term "Girl Box" and who inspires thousands of participants each year.

Kalamazoo Trail Blazin': Week Four

Kalamazoo's next trail guides you on a scenic stroll across West Michigan. With interesting structures, bridges and beauty located along this 34.5 mile trail, it's a great option for some family fun (and fitness). Keep an eye out for converted train cars, a covered bridge and farm stands boasting fresh fruits and vegetables. If you're in for the long haul, take a break in one of the quaint towns located along the path.

KalHaven Trail State Park:

The KalHaven trail is one of our region’s longest, most popular trails. Stretching from Kalamazoo to South Haven, this 34.5 mile trail is enjoyed by more than 90,000 outdoor enthusiasts every year. Once an abandoned railway, the trail has been resurfaced with crushed slag and limestone. It is 10 feet in diameter and is frequented by runners, walkers and cyclists.

Parking for the KalHaven Trail is located on 10th Street, just two miles north of West Main Street in Kalamazoo. Daily passes are $3 per individual or $7 per family. Annual passes may be purchased for $15 per individual or $35 per family. The KalHaven trail is open all year, from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.