Sixteen 3rd through 5th grade girls participated in a finale 5K run last Saturday morning as part of the 'Girls on the Run' program.

This winter is the first time the event has been held in Petersburg in four years. Joyce Burke-Biggs, Girls on the Run liaison, said the program consists of teaching various values.

"Anything to do with self-esteem, self-awareness, teamwork, feeling good about who you are and appreciating other's differences," Burke-Biggs said.

Kyle Clayton

Participants danced to warm up for the race on chilly Saturday morning.

For the past several months, the girls met every Tuesday and Thursday to learn about those values by participating in different activities and games. The various lessons included topics such as nutrition, peer pressure, emotional health, conflict resolution and safe internet practices.

"I'm really excited about the girls that have done it," Burke-Biggs said."They've stuck it out. They've done a great job."

Girls on the Run is a national non-profit organization. Petersburg will begin another program in the spring.

Burke-Biggs said there are currently two qualified coaches in town and the program has the capacity to train 16 girls. There is a $100 registration fee and the program will accept girls on a first come first serve basis. Scholarships are available.