Do you have a love for giving back and the Girls on the Run afterschool program? Are you interested in women’s empowerment, the joy of movement, and joining a community to celebrate ALL women at a marathon unlike any other? Keep reading to discover how you can combine these passions as a Girls on the Run SoleMate at the 2025 Every Woman’s Marathon, powered by Team Milk!
Fueled by strength, resilience, and support from everyone’s favorite dairy drink, Every Woman’s Marathon, is back for round two! This November, Every Woman’s Marathon heads west to beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Once again, Team Milk is generously matching each registrant’s registration fee and turning that amount into a donation to support one of four charities including Girls on the Run. Registrants who select Girls on the Run as their charity of choice at Every Woman’s Marathon will help GOTR reach more girls and build confidence that lasts a lifetime.
More than just a race, Every Woman’s Marathon is a celebration of sisterhood, community, and the incredible things people can accomplish when they come together.
Runners from across the country and beyond train, travel, and take on the starting line to celebrate all women and to show girls they can do hard things. New friends and familiar faces exchange hugs, high-fives, and “you got this” statements. Women embrace their boldness and immerse themselves in an uplifting, judgment-free environment that encourages them to be themselves. The good vibes don’t just exist on the marathon course – Every Woman’s Marathon is a weekend filled with fun activities and connection opportunities to celebrate the joy of sisterhood.
Among this year’s participants are incredible Girls on the Run SoleMates, a passionate group of individuals who raise funds to support our programs in their communities. We connected with three SoleMates, Nicole Gainacopulos, Mardi Myers, and Cassie Chambers, to hear why they believe in the power of GOTR, who they dedicate their miles to, and how nurturing the needs of today’s girls is critical. If you feel a spark after reading their inspiring words, we have good news: spots are still available to participate in Every Woman’s Marathon as a SoleMate! Read on to meet these sensational SoleMates and learn how you can be part of this unforgettable experience!
Why did you choose to participate in Every Woman’s Marathon as a SoleMate?
“As a full-time running coach, I originally agreed to coach the local SoleMates in our Girls on the Run community simply to support a great cause. But after that very first informational meeting, something shifted. Hearing the stories and seeing the spark in everyone’s eyes—I was completely hooked. Quickly, I realized I didn’t just want to coach from the sidelines and needed to be part of this journey more deeply. I wanted to run alongside these incredible women as a SoleMate and share in every step of their growth, strength, and transformation.” – Nicole
“I am participating in Every Woman’s Marathon as a SoleMate to assist in raising funds for scholarships so all girls, regardless of their economic situation, have the opportunity to participate in Girls on the Run.” – Mardi
“Last year, I ran the first Every Woman’s Marathon in Savannah and had a blast! EWM and GOTR are two amazing organizations focusing on empowering women through movement. I’m ecstatic to be a SoleMate and run the EWM Scottsdale!” – Cassie
Why is it important to support the needs of young girls and empower the next generation?
“I’ve seen firsthand the strength running can unlock. Running holds a unique power that can help girls discover who they are and how far they can go. I’ve always believed in the incredible potential of our youth. I feel deeply called to help young girls see that in themselves. Every time I run, I hope to show my daughter and everyone else that girls and women can do hard things, that we belong, and that we’re just getting started.” – Nicole
“I want to use my platform as a SoleMate to inspire the next generation of girls. If I can do hard things…. so can they!” – Mardi
“It is important to support the needs of young girls and empower the next generation so that we can continue to see strong, confident, healthy girls grow into accomplished, independent, capable women who set healthy goals and reach them!” – Cassie
Why Girls on the Run?
“I support GOTR because it’s more than just a running program. It’s a movement that empowers girls to embrace their strength and believe in themselves while finding their voices. GOTR creates a space where girls are encouraged to grow. It teaches life lessons in a way that’s both powerful and lasting. I also support GOTR because I see its impact on individuals, families, and communities. It plants seeds of strength early on, and those seeds grow into confident, compassionate young women. I can’t think of anything more important than helping shape that kind of future.” – Nicole
“As a member of the Girls on the Run staff, I am grateful to work for an organization dedicated to empowering young girls to fearless pursue their limitless potential.” – Mardi
“I was a GOTR participant when I was younger. Years later, I became a junior coach and a SoleMate, now a program coordinator for GOTR Northeast Florida! Girls on the Run is a huge part of my life. It has shaped me into the strong, independent, confident woman that I am today!” – Cassie
Who or what do you run for, and why?
“I run for my family. When I was young, I learned to run from my dad and older sister. It quickly became more than just a sport. It was our time together and something that helped shape who I am. Running has always been a thread that ties me to the people I love. I also run for my husband. We met through running and built a deep friendship that turned into our marriage and our family. We fought his cancer together, and running kept me stable as each scary day passed. Most of all, I run for the future, for my daughter, and for every girl. I run for my son to teach him women are powerful and should be respected. Running taught me that I can do hard things, and I run to pass that lesson on.” - Nicole
“I run because each step I take in my training and marathon contributes to paving the way for future generations of young women as they embark on their journeys toward greatness.” – Mardi
“I run to continually crush goals that I never thought possible. Running gives me strength and empowerment like nothing else. I run for those who can’t. Additionally, I run to prove that women are stronger and more capable than society may think!” – Cassie
Feeling inspired by these three women’s passion for uplifting girls, community, and embracing the joy of movement? There’s still time to join us!
Bibs for SoleMates at Every Women’s Marathon are still available, and we’d love for you to be part of this empowering experience. Whether you run for yourself, for a girl you love, or for the next generation of strong, confident leaders, every step you take will make a difference.
