JAMESBURG Having taught more than 150 local girls how to go the distance, Fit Girls of Jamesburg Head Coaches June Rizza and Dianne Bruno are prearing for the fall season.
Fit Girls of Jamesburg is a running club for girls in third to eighth grade that promotes a healthy body and mind through endurance running and strength training.
“We run a local 5K each season to raise funds for charities whose causes are close to our hearts,” Bruno said.
The club was formed about six years ago, when town programs were being lost due to decreased state funding, according to Rizza.
“We wanted to do something and decided that our love of running was the route we would take,” Rizza said. “With the support of town officials and parents, we were able to bring Fit Girls to our little town.”
Fit Girls members train for six week sessions each fall and spring. The girls meet two times per week for one hour to focus on endurance training. Fit Clinic is a weekly, half hour session that is dedicated to core strength development and speed drills. The practices are held in both Jamesburg and Monroe Township at outdoor facilities, according to Rizza.
“Our first third graders to join us on day one are now beginning high school this September. Many of our girls have gone on to letter in cross country and track at their high schools,” Rizza said.
The club is part of the Jamesburg Recreation Department, but there are no residency requirements to join. However, the club has a 50-member team limit each season, Rizza said.
“We have met so many wonderful girls and their families over the years. Fit Girls allows me to do what I love and also share a healthy, active lifestyle with the girls at a young age,” Rizza said. “The Fit Girls of Jamesburg have completed 11 5K races to date, and each one is special and spectacular. We remember each one as if it just happened yesterday.”
“I love seeing their determination and competitive spirit shine through on race day. In my opinion, there is no greater feeling than crossing that finish line. It’s the reward for the work that they have put in,” Bruno said.
Registration for the fall season has begun.
For more information, visit the club’s Facebook and Instagram pages or email fitgirlsofjamesburg@hotmail.com.
Contact Vashti Harris at vharris@newspapermediagroup.com.
