Girls on the Run Organizing at Five Reston Schools for 2015-16

As the new school year gets underway, Girls on the Run, a national program for girls in third through eighth grades, is holding registration at five Reston Schools.

Dogwood, Aldrin, Lake Anne, Armstrong and Forest Edge Elementary Schools will host the after school program, which integrates running with life lessons to develop confidence and character for young women.

New for 2015: Girls on the Run NOVA is offering discounts for active duty and retired military families. In addition, the organization is bringing back special discounts for families registering two or more siblings. Financial aid is also available based on household income.

Registration is open on the Girls on the Run NOVA website until Sept. 21, 2015. There is also still time to start a team at other schools, says the nonprofit organization.

The Girls on the Run program is a 10-week season run by trained volunteer coaches who guide and mentor pre-adolescent girls. With lessons on positive self talk, healthy friendships, nutrition, and gratitude, Girls on the Run speaks to the challenges young girls face every day.

Northern Virginia is one of the most popular place for Girls on the Run, with more than 5,000 girls at more than 150 schools participating. In its 15-year history, Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia has directly served more than 50,000 girls, the organization says.

The program culminates in a regional 5K run in November.