Season after season, families tell us they see something change in their daughters after Girls on the Run. Maybe it’s a little more confidence. A new best friend. A fresh sense of motivation. Or even the realization that physical activity can be fun!
These changes are why so many parents recommend GOTR to families looking for an empowering after-school program for girls. In fact, according to our spring 2026 end-of-season survey, 98% of caregivers agree that Girls on the Run was a valuable experience for their child, and 90% said it is likely they will sign their child up again next season.
So, why should you sign your daughter up for Girls on the Run? GOTR offers more than you may think. It’s a physical activity-based positive youth development program that combines fun, research-based curriculum with movement and confidence-building lessons, all coming together to help young girls thrive.
Whether a girl is a first-time runner or already has a love for physical activity, there is a place at GOTR for her. Keep reading to discover five reasons parents recommend you sign your daughter up for Girls on the Run.
1. She’ll Build Confidence That Lasts
Girls on the Run creates a space for participants to discover their strengths, work through challenges, and celebrate how far they’ve come throughout the season. These confidence-building activities can help girls build inner strength that carries into the classroom, with their friends, at home, and in their day-to-day lives.
Parents told us they saw that transformation firsthand. In fact, 97% of caregivers reported that they would describe their child as confident after participating in Girls on the Run.
“[My daughter’s] confidence has more than doubled … She isn’t nearly as shy and is not afraid to speak up. GOTR gave that to her.” – Heather
“My daughter was shy and didn’t really seem to have much self-confidence before GOTR. Now, after doing it, she has confidence and realized she loves running!” – Maranda
Caregivers also noticed their girls encouraging others around them to be confident, too.
“One thing my child learned while in Girls on the Run is how to not only build her confidence, but also how to build others’ confidence around her.” – Kala
“I have noticed that my child is more confident and comfortable in her own skin. She felt a part of a team and community that uplifted each other.” – Jasmin
2. She’ll Build Healthy Habits for Her Body and Mind
Girls on the Run helps girls discover the joy in movement. Through fun games, activities, and a curriculum that creatively integrates running, girls train for the end-of-season 5K Celebration while building healthy habits and learning that success isn’t about being the fastest. It’s about finding your happy pace and supporting others along the way.
Parents shared how GOTR inspired healthy habits and increased physical activity beyond practice. In fact, 96% of caregivers said that after participating in Girls on the Run, their child is physically active.
“My daughter has learned some great ways to be more active, healthy, and to challenge herself to do something hard, all while helping support a group of girls around her.” – Tammy
“Because of Girls on the Run, my daughter wants to be more involved in other sports as well. She has stated that running prepares her for stamina in the other sports she participates in. It keeps her healthy and motivated.” – Jennifer
Parents also loved to see their daughters redefine success and find their happy pace.
“One thing she learned is that even if you don’t get first place, it does not matter at all. The most important thing is to enjoy what she did and to achieve the 5K no matter the time. ‘Start something and finish it believing in yourself,’ is what my daughter said.” – Yolanda
“My daughter finished last in the Girls on the Run 5K, and it didn’t faze her one bit. What mattered most wasn’t her place, but her perseverance. She kept going, crossed the finish line with confidence, and showed us all that resilience, courage, and determination are far more important than winning.” – Jessica
3. She’ll Find a Place to Belong
Girls on the Run creates a welcoming space where participants learn how to be supportive teammates and make new friends. For many girls, those friendships become one of the most memorable parts of the season, with 98% of participants feeling included in all activities at Girls on the Run.
“She created a whole new group of friends with GOTR. … They were all very supportive of one another!” – Allison
“My daughter felt an incredible sense of belonging, and the benefits of acceptance and compassion in a group of new-to-her girlfriends … She was proud to help one of these friends finish the 5K by offering verbal encouragement while they ran the last mile and crossed the finish line together!” – Angela
For girls navigating major life changes, such as starting at a new school, parents watched as Girls on the Run became an important sense of belonging for them.
“[My daughter] was at a new school this year, and the sense of community that was created in the program was amazing to see. She discovered a love of running and a realization that she can do hard things.” – Kayleigh
“Since joining Girls on the Run, everything has shifted in the most beautiful way. She’s gained not only friendships but also a true sense of belonging and confidence … Watching her cross that 5K finish line was powerful, but seeing the light she carries now, the joy in her voice when she talks about practice, and the way she’s grown more self-assured, that’s the real finish line for me as her mom.” – Melinda
4. She’ll Discover That She Can Do Hard Things
Girls on the Run teaches girls that they can do hard things. Through goal setting and using their I Can! Power, participants learn that they can do whatever they set their minds to, such as completing a 5K or speaking up for themselves and others.
Parents see this motivation extend outside of practice firsthand.
“She was asked to speak at a schoolwide presentation earlier this year, and instead of facing it with nerves and total, all-encompassing anxiety, she accepted the challenge and told me: ‘Mom, I’m going to activate my Star Power.’ And there is your answer … what a gift GOTR is!” – Alexa
“My daughter would come home and relay positive ways she learned how to deal with and handle her emotions, started setting goals for herself, and really looked forward to pushing herself harder!” – Lauren
5. She’ll Learn to Lead With Kindness and Make a Difference
Girls on the Run helps girls recognize that the way they treat others and their communities can make a difference. Throughout the program, girls learn to treat people with kindness, speak up for what’s right, and be leaders while discovering the importance of giving back to the community.
Through the Community Impact Project, participants work together to identify a need in their community and take action, showing them that even small acts can make a big difference. Along the way, they learn that kindness and leadership can create meaningful change.
Parents notice their daughters becoming more supportive teammates and thoughtful members of their communities.
“My girls learned many skills and tools to help them work through problems with peers, how to be a better friend, and how to encourage and support others.” – Cherish
“She has learned to be supportive and encouraging of all people, whether she knew them or not, and to be there for them even if it wasn’t convenient for her.” – Molly
Another parent shared how she watched her daughter develop a deeper understanding of what it means to lead with kindness and intention.
“Through Girls on the Run, [my daughter] has gained a stronger understanding of what it means to be a leader, not just in title, but in how you treat others, stand up for what’s right, and use your voice with confidence. She’s learning that leadership includes setting boundaries, making thoughtful choices about the company you keep, and not participating in behavior that excludes or hurts others.” – Ola
Skills That Stick
The impact of Girls on the Run doesn’t end when the season does. The Girls on the Run Alums Study highlights that many participants continue to benefit from the program years later, reporting lasting confidence and the ability to navigate challenges using the skills they learned in the program.
Those lifelong lessons are reflected in what alums say years after completing the program: “Girls on the Run affected my life greatly. It taught me self-confidence, accepting others who are different from me, helped me make new friends, and inspired me to chase my dreams!”
Ready to see the impact Girls on the Run will have on your girl? Find your local council and register her for the upcoming season today!
