KALAMAZOO (WKZO) -- The Girls on the run took over downtown Kalamazoo last evening. It was quite a sight, 22-hundred young girls in their pink-t-shirts filling the football field at Waldo Stadium, getting charged up for yesterday’s “Girls on the Run” 5-k through downtown Kalamazoo.

Sandy Barry Loken says It not only trains the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to take on the physical challenge, but supplies them with the self-esteem and self-confidence to take on life’s other challenges as well.

They have lessons on how to stand up for themselves, on bullying, on healthy eating and choosing positive friendships. Kalamazoo’s 10-week long “Girls on the Run” program is one of the biggest in the nation.