In the past, marathons weren’t built with every woman in mind. Too often, running spaces felt exclusive or intimidating, leaving many women unsure whether they belonged. But with each new generation, girls and women pushed those boundaries, proving that strength and sisterhood are forces capable of transforming the running world — and far beyond.
Today, Every Woman’s Marathon, powered by Team Milk, plays a vital role in advancing that mission and ensuring all women know they have a spot at the starting line.
Through the event’s empowering environment and intentional connection opportunities (hello, Wellness Fair and Expo), it creates a space that allows women to show up as themselves, join a supportive community, and confidently hit the ground running.
GOTR CEO Liz Kunz shares a proud moment with running icon Kathrine Switzer at Every Woman’s Marathon, celebrating the spirit and strength of women on race day.
This year’s Every Woman’s Marathon in Scottsdale showed just how powerful an inclusive running space can be. A quick look at the numbers speaks volumes to its positive impact:
- 43% of participants completed their first marathon
- 14,900 bottles of milk distributed
- 50 states represented at the race
This year, Every Woman’s Marathon brought together members of the GOTR community — including GOTRI staff, council staff, coaches, program alumni, board members, SoleMates, and more — from across the country. Some cheered from the sidelines, several raised funds while running, and others challenged themselves to boldly pursue a big goal as participants. No matter their role during Every Woman’s Marathon weekend, our collective community reflected the boldness, teamwork, and bravery we see every season in our incredible GOTR girls.
GOTR community in Scottsdale gathers for a shakeout run ahead of Every Woman’s Marathon.
Four of the GOTRI staff who participated in the race shared heartfelt post-run reflections about their marathon journey and how this event relates to what we do as an organization. Their words offer a glimpse into the joy and community that are both at the heart of Every Woman’s Marathon and Girls on the Run. As you’ll see in their stories, each stride contributed to something larger, and every finish line represented a shared moment rooted in confidence, connection, and courage.
Looking ahead, the impact of this marathon reaches far past race day. When girls witness women of all ages moving together, celebrating their differences, and cheering each other on, they begin to imagine what’s possible in their own lives.
Check out our team’s reflections and photos from the big day and see firsthand how Girls on the Run and Every Woman’s Marathon are working together to inspire more girls and women everywhere to take up space boldly, foster new bonds, and embrace their uniqueness, on the course and anywhere they go.
Every Woman’s Marathon is more than just a race — it’s a celebration of sisterhood, community, and all the incredible things we can accomplish together. Why do you believe this event is so important for girls and women today? What does Every Woman’s Marathon mean to you personally?
Nicole Lowrey, Director, Council Development, Southern Region
Nicole joyfully making her way to the finish line.
“To be a woman has always been to be told what you should do, how you should look, how you should act, and what you should say. The pressure has always been there, and now we are immersed in voices 24/7. Having the space to celebrate yourself and your accomplishments fully is so special. On the course, I saw bracelets being exchanged, outfits being praised, and cheers for fellow runners from all directions. I also saw runners stop to check on each other, offering whatever they were carrying if it would help another runner. The girls cheering on the course saw it all too. They saw what it looked like to chase your goals while uplifting others.
Personally, Every Woman’s Marathon was the gift of showing up for myself. With work, kids, and all the obligations that come with supporting those aspects of my life, it’s easy to put what brings me joy on the back burner. Investing in showing up for the marathon was investing in myself, my health, and my peace. I unapologetically pursued something not because I had to or because I was particularly skilled at it, but because I wanted to, and it made me happy!’
Kelsi Auker, Development Coordinator
Kelsi sharing her bright smile and high-fives with sideline supporters.
“Every Woman’s Marathon, similar to Girls on the Run, is a space for women to embrace the love and positivity of trying hard things surrounded by other women. This event is so important because we are celebrating each individual who had the courage to sign up to do something so challenging, while also having the support system throughout the marathon.
Personally, this marathon represented a merge between my passion for Girls on the Run and my amazing role model, my mom. I grew up with her running marathons regularly, and she made it look so effortless. I loved that she was able to be an example for me to live an active lifestyle and find joy in movement. Because of her example and Every Woman’s Marathon for being an event centered around empowering women, I truly felt like I could do more than I thought I was capable of by running a marathon! I am so lucky to have gotten to celebrate this accomplishment with her, cheering me on every mile.”
Lydia Kota, Grant Writer
Lydia proudly showing her hard-earned medal post-marathon.
“For me, Every Woman’s Marathon was a beautiful reminder of what happens when women come together with big dreams. This event shines a light on the truth that we are capable of far more than we often give ourselves credit for, and I think it is so important for women and girls to experience that feeling of accomplishment. When we lift one another up, encourage one another, and move forward together, those “impossible” goals start to feel completely within reach. That sense of shared courage and community is what made Every Woman’s Marathon and running as a SoleMate so meaningful to me.”
Jackie O’Hara, Senior Director, Council Development, Eastern Region
Jackie staying (and looking) cool while going her happy pace on the course.
“For me, Every Woman’s Marathon embodies true inclusivity, and that matters deeply. It connects directly to why I believe so strongly in the mission of Girls on the Run. I didn’t grow up playing sports or feeling confident in my body; in fact, I vividly remember watching other kids — especially runners — with a mix of admiration and envy. They looked confident, strong, and unstoppable. I truly believed you were either born an athlete or you weren’t. And at that time, I believed I was not. Everything changed in 2007 when, at 27, I trained for my first 5K.
I still remember following a simple Couch to 5K plan and being amazed at how quickly my body and mind adapted. Week after week, I was getting stronger, more confident, and more grounded in myself. Crossing that finish line was transformative. It showed me exactly what we teach our girls at Girls on the Run — to believe in myself — and that with support and determination, you can do things you once thought were impossible.”
Girls on the Run inspires girls to build confidence, create meaningful connections, and recognize their limitless potential. In what ways do you feel Every Woman’s Marathon reflects or embodies these same values?
Nicole Lowrey, Director, Council Development, Southern Region
(Left top) Nicole fired up and ready to take on the starting line with confidence! (Left bottom) Nicole and friend, Noi, in a all-smiles celebratory selfie post-race. (Right) Nicole defining Star Power in this fabulous mid-race snapshot.
“Every Woman’s Marathon foregoes the awards and podiums to celebrate that we are all competing against something, not one another, and each win is worth celebrating. That space to celebrate your goals and not compete against one another doesn’t exist in many places outside of a GOTR season—but it does at Every Woman’s Marathon! It created this powerful shared experience, and you could hear it between the runners as congratulations rang out all afternoon and evening after the marathon and in the airport when runners passed one another. Our group of coworkers who were running was the best hype crew, and we were constantly messaging one another and cheering each other on throughout training and then on race day, and it brought us together in a way that may not have happened otherwise.
I didn’t have a friend with me in my corral on race day, and the woman next to me was also alone and a first-time marathoner. We hyped one another up and selfied at the start of the run, then we took off and cheered one another along until we weren’t pacing together. Then, looking back at my photos, I was so bummed we had this shared experience, but I wasn’t going to see her again – then we saw one another in line at the airport coffee shop, and it was so exciting! We were connected by this experience and traded phone numbers and said, “See you next year!”
Kelsi Auker, Development Coordinator
(Left top and bottom) Kelsi and her BFF for decades, Sydney, experiencing the magic of the big day together, from start to finish. (Right) Kelsi radiating confidence and I Can! Power on the course.
“Every Woman’s Marathon feels like a grown up version of Girls on the Run. It is a space where women are celebrating their connectedness, encouraging each other every mile, and embracing the challenges while pushing themselves to achieve their goals. The support and love that was shared throughout this event is similar to what I have seen with my teams at Girls on the Run practices and the celebratory 5K. This was a weekend where it did not matter how fast you were, we celebrated the finish line for every single individual!”
Lydia Kota, Grant Writer
(Left) Lydia and Liz Kunz, Chief Executive Officer, Girls on the Run International, exchanging a joyful and picture-perfect high-five mid-race. (Right) Lydia and Kelsi holding up and showing off their glowing, brand-new Every Woman’s Marathon medals.
“Every Woman’s Marathon embodies the heart of Girls on the Run in so many ways. Just like GOTR, it creates a space where women can build confidence, forge genuine connections, and celebrate the strength that comes from believing in themselves. Throughout the weekend, I was inspired by the stories shared, the encouragement exchanged, and the way women supported one another every step of the way. The uplifting and positive collective energy carried me forward on the race course!”
Jackie O’Hara, Senior Director, Council Development, Eastern Region
(Left top) Jackie soaking in a beautiful finish line moment. (Left bottom) Jackie and Nicole embodying the energized spirit of the big day. (Right) Jackie mid-marathon sharing peace and great vibes every step of the way.
“When you consider that not long ago, women weren’t even allowed to compete in marathons, the Every Woman’s Marathon feels nothing short of remarkable. And the fact that Kathrine Switzer herself — the woman who bravely broke that barrier — is present and cheering us on is an incredible honor. She paved the path, and now we get to run that path with her voice and presence lifting us forward. That alone is a powerful reminder of just how limitless women’s potential truly is. That is the heart of Girls on the Run and Every Woman’s Marathon.
The event creates a joyful, empowering, radically inclusive space where every woman belongs, just like the Girls on the Run program and celebratory 5K. It is a place where we cheer for each other, lift each other up, and discover new strength — both individually and collectively. Just like our girls, we learn that confidence is built, connection is essential, and potential is limitless when we move forward together.”
Learn more about Every Woman’s Marathon and stay tuned for what’s coming up next in 2026 by clicking here!
