During a sunset run in 1993, after years of questioning her self-worth and being defined by others, Molly Barker, found the inspiration that grew into Girls on the Run. Seeking a way to help girls thrive in a world that often sends them conflicting messages, she began creating a solution—a solution that would start with a small program and ultimately become a movement.
In 1996 she piloted the earliest version of a 12-week, 24-lesson curriculum with 13 brave girls in Charlotte, North Carolina. While it has evolved and the movement has grown, the heart of the program is still helping 3rd through 8th grade girls uncover their extraordinary potential, demonstrate courage, and generally embrace being "fantabulous."
The volunteer-led program weaves training for a 5K run with fun, experience-based lessons that improve self-awareness, build a collection of positive experiences and inspire life-changing confidence through accomplishment.
Growth
In 2000, responding to growing demand for the program, Girls on the Run International became a 501(c)(3) organization. Today, Girls on the Run is offered in over 173 cities across North America and hundreds of thousands of girls and women's lives have been changed by the program.
