Fit Girls race promotes fitness and confidence in Wilton

Despite gusty winds, Fit Girls of Wilton holds annual 5k race/walk Oct. 12 in Wilton. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

WILTON — The Ninth Annual Fit and Fun 5K took place Oct. 12 at the Wilson Lake boat launch, with proceeds supporting the nonprofit Fit Girls program. Participants gathered at 10:30 a.m. to run in the event, which also featured raffles, hats, and other items available for purchase.

Fifth graders Annika Bjorn and Scarlett Kilgannon of Cascade Brook School were the first two current Fit Girls to cross the finish line, running with smiles and joy, said Karli R. Erickson, executive director of Fit Girls of Wilton. Mt. Blue High School students Nora McCourt, Maya Kellett, Astrid Jones, and Lucy Knowles volunteered to lead pre-race warm-ups and ran alongside the younger girls, providing encouragement.

Regional School Unit 9 teacher Sarah Reynolds participated with her sons, Julian, who finished second overall and Fletcher. Reynolds also organized a local group of women to run, and the group donated to the Fit Girls nonprofit.

Noah Civiello won the race, running with his younger sibling, Audrey, who placed first in the girls 11-12 age group. Their parents, Jen and Gabe Civiello, were among the volunteers, with Jen coordinating efforts to bring former Fit Girls back as role models.

In an email interview, Jen Civiello shared how meaningful it is for her family to be part of such events. “Over the years our family has participated in many community races, and every time we walk away with the same positive feeling of excitement and connection with our community,” she wrote. “This happens whether we are participating, volunteering or just spectating. This race, in particular, allows us to help our kids focus not just on the importance of individual exercise and healthy body movement, but also the encouragement of others taking on some really cool challenges of their own.”

She described how the out-and-back course design along Wilson Lake fosters camaraderie, with runners cheering for each other. “It’s neat to see the new runners get excited when they see their peers on their way back to the finish, then see those same friends reciprocate the encouragement at the finish line,” Civiello said.

Civiello also highlighted the impact of programs like Fit Girls on building confidence and fostering healthy habits among young girls. “I have watched many of these girls realize how much fun running can be when you have a community of other girls and women cheering you on,” she said. “Most of these girls have never competed in a 5K race, and the pride you get to see on their faces when they realize they are stronger than they thought they were is amazing.”

In her role as a volunteer, Civiello worked to bring back previous Fit Girls participants to serve as role models for the younger runners. “I feel so strongly about the importance of providing positive role models for these girls and who better than strong and successful teenage girls who have been where they are,” she said. “Having the high school girls model confidence, encouragement, and build the self-esteem of the younger girls is really beneficial for both groups.”

Jen and Gabe Civiello’s commitment to the Fit Girls program extends beyond race day she said. “Fit Girls invests in our girls by providing an environment of positivity and a healthy lifestyle both physically and mentally in a way that removes many of the barriers that often impede this kind of lifestyle or personal growth,” Civiello explained. “We are happy to be involved in fundraising for this program to continue its impact on the girls as the future leaders of our communities and, hopefully, lifelong runners.”

For more information or to donate, visit fitgirlsofwiltonmaine.org. Since its founding in 2012, the nonprofit has served over 1,100 girls, including home-schooled students by offering a free after-school program aimed at boosting confidence and promoting healthy habits.

Despite gusty winds, Fit Girls of Wilton holds annual 5k race/walk Oct. 12 in Wilton. Rebecca RIchard/Franklin Journal

Fit Girls participants begin the race with excitement at the starting line of the Ninth Annual Fit and Fun 5K Oct. 12 in Wilton. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

Runners prepare to kick off the Fit Girls 5K race, eager to race and support the nonprofit’s mission of promoting fitness and confidence in young girls Oct. 12 in Wilton. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

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