The Girls on the Run program for youngsters in grades 3-8 has launched a SoleMates charity in which athletes can pursue individual goals while raising money for the local Wood River Valley chapter.
Girls on the Run executive director Mary Fauth of Hailey said SoleMates is the charity running "leg" of the organization. Athletes can pursue goals like running a marathon or even their first 10-kilometer or 5k race to raise money for Girls on the Run.
More about the SoleMates program will be explained Thursday, June 30 from 5-6 p.m. during an informational talk with beer tasting at Powerhouse Bike Pub & Fit Studio in Hailey. Those attending will be entered in a drawing to win a Garmin GPS powered sports watch.
RSVP to Fauth at 788-7863, visit girlsontherunwrv.org/solemates.html or email mary@girlsontherunwrv.org
One athlete, Fauth's husband Daryl Fauth, has raised over $4,000 for Girls on the Run while competing his first Ironman triathlon.
Fauth, 42, finished the 140.6-mile second annual St. George (Utah) Marathon May 7 in 12.51:27, with splits of 1.32:45 for the 2.4-mile swim, 6.16:43 for the 112-mile bike ride featuring two steep climbs and 4.49:04 for a 26.2-mile marathon run.
He said, "For my event I trained nearly seven-and-a-half months, at an average of 15 to 20 hours a week, with the unwavering support of my family...I showed my appreciation by doing something for others—reaching out to family and friends and letting them know that Girls on the Run is doing amazing things in our valley."
Daryl Fauth said money raised helps cover scholarships, materials and other overhead costs of the Girls on the Run program held each fall and spring in elementary schools and middle school.
