When I tell people I work for Girls on the Run, I often get a smile and a nod—followed by something like, “Oh! That’s the running program for girls, right?”
Yes. And no.
Yes, we run. But what we’re really doing is something far deeper.
We’re creating safe spaces where girls feel seen.
We’re teaching them how to cope with stress, big feelings, and peer pressure.
We’re giving them tools to manage the challenges life will inevitably bring.
We are, without question, a youth mental health and prevention program—wrapped in joyful movement, mentorship, and sneakers.
What Happens During a Season of Girls on the Run?
Each team meets twice a week for 90 minutes after school. Trained volunteer coaches lead small groups through evidence-based lessons that integrate movement, discussion, reflection, and fun.
Girls learn things like:
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How to reframe negative self-talk
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How to manage anxiety with grounding and breath
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How to set and respect personal boundaries
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How to resolve conflict in healthy ways
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How to build healthy relationships with themselves and others
They finish the season with a 5K—but the real finish line isn’t measured in miles. It’s measured in confidence gained, coping tools learned, and friendships formed.
The Data Speaks Volumes
These aren’t just feel-good stories. The outcomes are real, and measurable.
From our 2024 National End-of-Season Survey:
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92% of girls learned skills to manage emotions
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86% of caregivers said GOTR helped their child handle stress
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98% of girls felt included and supported
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Girls who were least physically active at the start increased activity by over 40%
This isn’t just good for girls—it’s good for schools, families, and communities.
Our 5K Is Just the Beginning
When our girls cross the finish line at the 5K, they’ve already accomplished something much greater than running 3.1 miles.
They’ve practiced:
In a world that too often measures worth by performance, we remind girls that their value isn’t in being perfect—it’s in being brave, real, and resilient.
This Is Mental Health in Action
Girls on the Run is meeting a statewide—and nationwide—need for early, accessible, community-rooted mental health support. And yet, we’re often overlooked because we don’t “look” like a mental health program.
It’s time we changed that.
If you’re a school leader, community partner, parent, or funder—let’s talk.
We are ready to grow. Ready to serve. And most importantly—ready to run toward healing, together.
Thank you for reading this series and for believing in the power of prevention.
Let’s keep going. 💫