Building confidence and community through running

Meet the Lucy Craft Laney Elementary Stunner Runners

Building confidence and community through running

BY ANNE WAGEMAKER

On the corner of 34th and Penn Avenue North, a group of fifth grade girls get ready to run. Some are unsure, some are confident, but all are full of smiles and excitement. Today is the first day of their school club, the Lucy Laney Stunner Runners.

The group formed in response to a need for the fifth grade girls to have a place to grow as young women, build relationships with one another and challenge themselves mentally and physically. “One of my students was very interested in the fact that I was a runner and was asking me lots of questions so I brought her to a race with me. After that she talked with her friends about it and we decided to start a running group for girls,” said Sarah Olson, School Social Worker and team coach. She went on to say how important it was to have a place for the girls to build confidence and to feel physically strong. The group became a way for the girls to develop important life skills before leaving elementary school for the sometimes scary world of middle school.

In the 2018-19 season, the girls were able to participate in the Twin Cities 1 Mile race and a supported 5K put on at their school campus. “It was fun that we got to do something fun and active with a group of girls and even when we struggled we stuck together and helped each other through it,” said Naiya Walden, a former Stunner Runner. The team encouraged one another to work hard and to do their best, despite any obstacles that arose.

Taking on a new student activity is a lot of work. Despite this additional workload, the adults involved continue to see the value of providing this space for the girls. “The best part of the group is watching our girls push themselves and each other to accomplish something they didn’t think was possible. Seeing their faces when they cross the finish line of their first race and the pride they feel is what keeps us doing this group every year,” said Sarah Hodges, School Psychologist and team coach.

As the coaches get ready to kick off their 2019-20 season, they look forward to finding their next group of girls. Through the help of the MDRA foundation they are able to extend their running season, include a larger group of girls and provide apparel to keep the girls safe and confident. The Stunner Runners are ready for a great year ahead!