For 30 years, the Girls on the Run community has had many reasons to celebrate. Most importantly, girls are recognizing their inner power, building life-long friendships, and giving back to their communities from coast to coast. These life-changing moments spark confidence, connection, and community, three pillars that shape our movement and inspire everything we do.
In 2026, we celebrate the steps, stories, and Star Power behind this remarkable 30-year journey.
We invite you to revisit the milestone moments that shaped our organization and see how each decade has strengthened confidence, connection, and community across North America.
1996–2000: Confident Bold Beginnings
In 1996, Molly Barker founded Girls on the Run in Charlotte, North Carolina, and led our first team of 13 girls. From the start, the program paired physical activity with lessons that helped girls in grades 3–5 build confidence, resilience, and self-assurance.
Molly Barker leading the way with members of the first-ever GOTR team in 1996!
Early lessons focused on joy, confidence, and the idea that movement can be fun. Girls on the Run became an official 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2000, creating a foundation for long-term growth.
Three bold original GOTR girls showing they have the strength to achieve big goals!
Today, 95% of participants say they feel more confident because of Girls on the Run.
2001–2010: Connections Take Root
Councils formed across the country, creating uplifting spaces for girls to grow and connect.
GOTR girls celebrating their hard work and friendship after crossing the finish line as a team at a 5K in 2003.
As awareness grew, we launched Girls on Track, a middle school program designed for the unique experiences of girls in grades 6–8. Elizabeth Kunz joined the organization in 2006 and was appointed chief executive officer in 2008. That same year, the GOTR 5K series launched nationwide, inviting families, supporters, and community members to celebrate girls’ accomplishments together at the finish line.
Liz sharing her bright spark and enjoying a joyful moment with a team of GOTR girls at practice.
This strong sense of unity remains today, with 98% of participants saying they feel included and connected at GOTR.
A team striking a confident star pose at a sunny practice in 2008.
In 2010, the organization established its mission, vision, and core values, which continue to guide our work today.
2011–2020: Communities Expand
A group of joyful GOTR team members show off their hard-earned medals at a 5K Celebration in 2017.
In 2017, an external study confirmed GOTR’s positive impact on girls’ social, emotional, and physical well-being. Results showed that 97% of girls learned critical life skills at GOTR, including managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. In 2018, we launched Camp GOTR, a weeklong summer program.
A Camp GOTR squad taking a moment to snap a sunny selfie in between creative activities and movement-based games.
In 2020, we reached another milestone, serving our 2 millionth girl. We also adapted during COVID-19 by offering virtual programs and additional options to be accessible for girls when schools were closed. That focus on access continues today, with more than half of girls in the program receiving financial assistance, so cost isn’t a barrier to participation.
A GOTR coach and participant staying connected and engaging with fellow teammates through our virtual programming.
2021–2025: Innovating and Sustaining Impact
As communities emerged from the COVID-19 pandemic, Girls on the Run strengthened its evidence-based programming to support girls’ evolving needs. In 2024 and 2025, we developed and released three new curricula: Hello, Superstar!, Hello, Mountain Mover!, and Hello, Bold Heart!
Each of the new curricula follows a fun, empowering theme that helps girls build a specific, meaningful form of confidence.
Girls on the Run has now served more than 2.7 million participants, and we’re building toward what girls need now and in the future.
2026–Beyond: Fueling Future Confidence, Connection, and Community
That work continues as we enter our 30th year. This spring, we will share early findings from a long-term study following girls who participated in Girls on the Run in 2019. The study will conclude in 2029, with early insights pointing to lasting benefits that continue well into adolescence.
For 30 years, Girls on the Run has helped girls build confidence, connection, and community through evidence-based programming and the care of trained coaches. From that first team of 13 girls to more than 2.7 million participants, this movement has grown because of people like you.
Thank you for being part of the Girls on the Run community, and for helping more girls discover their inner power in the years ahead. As we celebrate 30 years, we hope you’ll stay connected and help us keep putting more girls on a path of confidence, connection, and community.
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