VERMILLION, S.D. - - Seven members of the South Dakota women's track and field lead activities for local girls as part of the "Girls on the Run" program, which took place this fall in Vermillion, S.D. The fall program was highlighted by a 5K run, which was held at the Nike Team Regional in Sioux Falls, S.D. on Saturday.

A total of 16 Vermillion-area girls took part in the 10-week program, which began in September. The Coyote athletes were involved in leading training sessions and serving as mentors for the girls, who are in third through fifth grade. Sessions were held twice per week and lasted 90 minutes each.

Each South Dakota track athlete ran with two girls as part of the 5K race.

"It's a great opportunity to share a passion of ours with these young girls which also promotes healthy lifestyle habits," said South Dakota senior Natalie Newman, one of the Coyote athletes who worked with the program this fall. "It was rewarding to see how excited they were to finish the 5K race."

Girls on the Run is a non-profit prevention program that encourages preteen girls to develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through running. Girls on the Run in Vermillion is an extension of Girls on the Run Sioux Falls.. For more information on Girls on the Run, click on the link above.

South Dakota track and field athletes pose with the Girls on the Run group from the Vermillion area at the 5K race held Saturday in Sioux Falls, S.D.