The energy on Marathon Monday in Boston is electric. For this year’s Girls on the Run Greater Boston SoleMates, the day was about more than a culmination of all the training and effort — it was about making those 26.2 miles count for a greater purpose.
At the 130th Boston Marathon, 27 dedicated SoleMates showed up to make a meaningful impact for girls across the Boston area. From the starting line to Boylston Street, they didn’t just run for themselves, but for the limitless potential inside every girl.
The SoleMates program gives people who want to challenge themselves physically the opportunity to also give back in a powerful way. Whether training for a marathon, swimming laps, or lifting weights, SoleMates commit to a personal fundraising goal in support of Girls on the Run as they prepare for their personal challenge.
Through the 2026 Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, this year’s 27 SoleMates raised more than $400,000 to support GOTR Greater Boston programming, fueling opportunities for girls to build confidence, make connections, and develop life skills. Representing 12 states, Washington DC, British Columbia, Canada, and Lancashire, United Kingdom, these stellar SoleMates were also supported by our friends at adidas, who outfitted runners with custom GOTR singlets, along with shorts, shoes, and the iconic Boston Marathon finisher’s jacket.
The support didn’t stop there! At mile 15, a high-energy cheer station hosted by adidas and Girls on the Run brought together more than 50 supporters to celebrate all the runners along the iconic course, including Girls on the Run Greater Boston staff and SoleMate family and friends. As a special thank-you for showing up and spreading GOTR spirit, adidas also surprised the cheer station attendees with free shoes!
The commitment to Girls on the Run ran strong through these Boston SoleMates. Among this year’s group:
- Six are GOTR alumni
- Four are GOTR parents
- Nine are GOTR coaches
- Three are repeat SoleMates
- One is a GOTR Greater Boston board member
To these incredible SoleMates: thank you for your dedication, your determination, and your belief in the power of our program. Your efforts extend far past the finish line on race day and will have a lasting effect on the girls served by GOTR Greater Boston.
Interested in running Boston in 2027 as a SoleMate? Reach out to Girls on the Run Greater Boston to learn more about the application process. Want to take on a different physical activity challenge in support of Girls on the Run? Learn more about our SoleMates program and how to get started.
