Our inaugural Manningham Girls Can program was a huge success, bringing women and girls together to get active and have fun.
With more than 50 different free and low-cost activities held across the community in November, women and girls of all ages and abilities embraced opportunities to be active.
Ruffey Runners
Local group Ruffey Runners, part of the Doncaster Athletic Club, proudly joined the campaign with their Manningham Girls Can - Run program; a series of running sessions designed to empower women and girls to move, connect and feel confident.
The recreational running group has been meeting at the Tom Kelly Athletic Track in George Street for the past 8 years and was recently a finalist in the Manningham Community Awards, Active Community category.
Led by qualified coaches Colleen and Laura, the sessions focused on running form, confidence building, and creating a supportive and friendly community space.
Colleen said participants ranged in age from 16 to 70 and all left feeling energised, motivated and empowered.
"For Laura and I, who are passionate about health, fitness and simply love to run, it's always such a joy to share our passion, to encourage anyone willing to give it a go," Colleen said.
"Running is as much about the social as it is the physical. Seeing everyone out on the track, smiling, encouraging each other, running, and chatting is such a huge reward for us," Colleen said.
Each session included advice on how to warm up and cool down correctly, and was designed so that every participant from beginners to casual runners could take part.
Colleen said the program was inclusive and accessible, catering to beginners and casual runners alike.
"We had mums bring daughters, daughters bring friends, and women who were at the track for their own leisure join in, too," she said.
"Many attended more than once and are now keen to continue running with Ruffey Runners.
"For some younger participants, this was their first sporting experience since primary school and by the end, they proudly declared they felt like runners."
Participants share their positive feedback
"I loved the experience … the warm-up and cool-down techniques, along with the session itself made the whole experience comfortable and enjoyable," - Hanin.
"You have given me new skills when running and I now know where to go to join a like-minded group of social runners," - Fiona.
