Confidence and self-esteem can often feel elusive for young girls in elementary school who are trying to navigate new friendships, personal interests, and other unique challenges. Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a transformative program that combines running with life skills, encouraging girls to celebrate their uniqueness while fostering teamwork, resilience, and leadership.
Adults who know the program's impact have several opportunities to support the girls in their local community, including being a coach, volunteering at local events, and becoming a SoleMate! SoleMates raise money to support their local chapters while training for a big personal goal such as a 10k, half marathon, triathlon, and more! The initiative plays a vital role in ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to participate.
What is Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program for girls in grades 3-8. Over the course of a 10-—to 12-week curriculum, participants engage in interactive lessons that promote emotional, social, and physical well-being. Each session culminates in an untimed 5K event, where girls can showcase their newfound skills and confidence. More than just a running program, GOTR equips girls with essential life skills, teaching them to navigate challenges, make healthy choices, and build meaningful relationships.
The SoleMates Program: Running for a Cause
SoleMates is a unique fundraising program within Girls on the Run that empowers individuals to run a race of their choice, or one sponsored by GOTR, while raising funds to support the organization. SoleMates participants are not just runners; they are champions for the next generation of girls. By setting personal fitness goals and training for races, they raise critical funds that directly benefit the girls in the program. This initiative exemplifies how the community can come together to support the growth and development of young girls, turning every mile into a testament of love, strength, empowerment, and support.
The Importance of Fundraising
The impact of SoleMates cannot be overstated. Registration for each girl to participate in the program (each season) is typically around $150, which covers registration fees, educational materials, and race costs. GOTR Piedmont prides itself on offering a sliding scale for families interested in becoming involved to ensure no girl is turned away.
On average, it costs the organization around $400 per girl to deliver its comprehensive curriculum, ensuring that each participant receives the best experience possible. Fundraising efforts through SoleMates are crucial in bridging this gap, allowing Girls on the Run to offer scholarships and keep the program accessible to all girls and their families, regardless of their financial circumstances.
For many girls, participating in GOTR is not just about running; it’s about discovering their inner strength, building friendships, and learning to believe in themselves. The funds raised through SoleMates make it possible for girls from all backgrounds to experience this life-changing program, reinforcing the idea that every girl deserves the chance to thrive.
Join the Movement!
If you’re looking for a way to make a meaningful impact in your community, consider becoming a SoleMate or supporting one. Whether you run a marathon, a half marathon, or a local 5K, your efforts can help ensure that girls have the resources they need to succeed. By participating, you are not just running for fitness, you are running to inspire, uplift, and empower the next generation of strong, confident women.
Together, we can continue to spread the message that girls are powerful, capable, and worthy of every opportunity. Let’s lace up our shoes, hit the pavement, and support Girls on the Run and SoleMates this season. Every stride we take brings us closer to a world where every girl knows her worth and can confidently chase her dreams.
Interested in becoming a SoleMate? SIGN UP to participate this season and train for the Blue and Gray Half Marathon OR join our Couch to 5k GOTR Piedmont training group!
Have questions? Contact maxann.lockard@girlsontherun.org