Run inspires women and girls to crush adversity
A running event focused on empowering women also doubles as a fundraiser for after-school fitness programs benefiting young girls in Windsor-essex County.
For the third year, women of all ages will run or walk 5km or 10km at Dare 2B Challenged while donating to Leadership Advancement for Women in Sport (LAWS) — a non-profit organization in Windsor designed to help girls achieve their athletic goals.
“The whole purpose of our event is to gather a diverse array of women from all fitness levels, to come out and challenge themselves,” said event organizer Barb Pollard.
“Our philosophy is that confidence is earned, so we provide an opportunity for women to come out and do something perhaps that they've never done before, and physically challenge themselves to cross that finish line.”
Pollard's goal is to surpass last year's $10,000 donation and reach $15,000 for fitness programs that inspire young girls to embrace physical activity.
According to Pollard, girls are 50 per cent more likely than boys to drop out of sports when they enter high school, which is why it is important to build the habit from a young age.
Tara Cohoe and her 11-year-old daughter Teah Durocher have participated in the event annually, and were also the first to register for this year's run.
“To me it means giving her tools to be a strong individual,” said Cohoe, “and that's what running does for me.”
After overcoming addiction, Cohoe said she has been sober for 12 years, and running played a significant role in her recovery journey.
“I use it as self care and stress relief.” she said.
“She (Teah) does not see wine or any substance as stress relief and she sees me taking care of my health and mental health.”
Cohoe said they have already started training together for the 5-kilometre run.
“During last year's event, at the second mile she just took off and I couldn't keep up with her and she beat me,” said Cohoe.
“It was really cool for her to have the feeling that she prepared for this.”
Dare 2B Challenged begins at 9 a.m. on May 26 at 6952 Essex County Rd. 50 in Amherstburg.
Movati Fitness, one of the event sponsors, will also host an outdoor fitness class from 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Registration is available on dare2bchallenged.com.