Recently, the Fit Girls of Wilton hosted their ninth annual Fit & Fun 5K Run/Walk fundraiser which took place on the 12th of October in Wilton. This remarkable event was significant in promoting fitness and fostering a fun atmosphere for all participants.
As the day began, gusty winds did not deter the energetic sky-high spirits of both the participants and the spectators. The event, launching at the Wilson Lake boat launch, was timetabled to commence at 10:30 a.m. Numerous items, which included raffles and hats were available for purchase – all in an effort to support the non-profit organization – Fit Girls.
Two of the outstanding competitors were fifth graders Annika Bjorn and Scarlett Kilgannon from Cascade Brook School. They were the first two current Fit Girls to finish, running with infectious smiles and uncontainable joy. In addition to the younger runners, Mt. Blue High School students Nora McCourt, Maya Kellett, Astrid Jones, and Lucy Knowles were giving full support through volunteering for pre-race warm-ups and running with the younger girls. Sarah Reynolds, a Regional School Unit 9 teacher, accompanied her sons Julian and Fletcher – Julian finishing the race in second place overall.
A significant highlight of the vent was the victory of Noah Civiello, who also ran with his younger sibling, Audrey. Audrey stood out by placing first in the girls 11-12 age group. Their parents, Jen and Gabe Civiello, were part of the volunteers, with Jen coordinating efforts to bring former Fit Girls back as role models.
The Civiello family’s dedication was evident as they enthusiastically participated in many community races and found joy in each. Jen Civiello shared her thoughts about their active participation, remarking how races, like Fit & Fun 5K, not only encourages the importance of regular exercise and good health habits but also promotes an atmosphere of encouragement where everyone feels a sense of accomplishment after taking on challenges.
Jen further described the mood on the race at Wilson Lake, where the back-and-forth course design encouraged a camaraderie among the runners. The first-time runners found joy and motivation seeing their peers on their way back to the finish.
The impact of programs like Fit Girls has been remarkable in building confidence and promoting healthy lifestyle habits among girls. Many have been inspired to have fun while running when they have whole community cheering them on. The presence of positive role models like the high school girls, who inspire self-belief and self-esteem in the younger participants, can vision a promising tomorrow for every Fit Girl.
Jen and Gabe Civiello’s unwavering commitment to Fit Girls program goes beyond participating in race days. They also extend their support by nurturing an environment that encourages positivity and promotes healthy lifestyle habits while removing many barriers that often impede this lifestyle or personal growth.
The Fit Girls program, founded in 2012, has made its mark by serving over 1,100 girls, offering a free after-school program that provides an enriching environment for boosting confidence and promoting healthy habits. Despite gusty winds, the event was a significant success, demonstrating the growing support for fitness and confidence-building initiatives like these.
