The Girls on the Run afterschool program culminates in a community GOTR 5K. It’s not a 5K race, but a 5K Celebration highlighting girl empowerment and recognizing participants’ limitless potential. On this big day, GOTR coaches and teams fulfill the goal they’ve been working toward all season long.
From the moment girls arrive and join their team for pre-event fun to their first hug post-finish line, joy prevails at the GOTR 5K. Upbeat music, cheers, and laughter resound through the space. Sideline supporters proudly raise colorful (and frequently funny) signs. Coaches pump girls up with positive affirmations and self-talk mantras. And local community members volunteer their time to help ensure the day operates smoothly. The exact logistics of GOTR 5K events may vary from coast to coast, but regardless of scope, weather, or finish-line snack selection, inspiration fills the air, and girls:
Foster a greater love of movement.
Discover they can achieve big goals.
Deepen new friendships and family bonds.
Connect with their community.
Form core memories.
In addition, every skill girls learn at practice has a chance to shine. The combination of the laps and lessons, tied with this culminating event, shifts something powerful inside participants. They discover how much they can achieve when they believe in themselves and encourage one another, and that’s a takeaway that fuels their confidence forever.
After every GOTR season, we send an experience survey to our coaches and parents/caregivers. In it, we ask how the end-of-season 5K positively impacted their child. Today, we are thrilled to share 13 heart-warming responses of girls’ experiences that will excite you and your girl for the upcoming fall GOTR 5K!
Girls on the Run participants share laughter and hugs as they cross the finish line, surrounded by encouraging coaches and family members during a 5K Celebration in Union County (Photo credit: Sabrina Jill)
“Knowing she can finish something she worked for has given her an excitement to do more in the future.”
– Erin
“She was so excited to do the GOTR 5K even though she has asthma. She was so determined and proud to do it!”
– Carol
“She knows she can complete an obstacle if she keeps on track and continues to push through each day even if it becomes hard. She knows her peers and fellow teachers and coaches are a great support system.”
– Dalinah
A Girls on the Run team in Southwest Missouri gathers in a joyful cheer before their 5K, surrounded by supportive families and community members. The energy is high, the smiles are wide, and the celebration of confidence and teamwork is in full swing!
“She started seeing things in a more positive way.”
– Vijaya
“She loved how many people came together to celebrate at the GOTR 5K.”
– Wendy
“The inclusion and loving energy from the whole event made her feel special and a part of something big.”
– Rebecca
With determination and teamwork, Girls on the Run participants lead the way at the start of the GOTR 5K in Greater Richmond! Surrounded by a sea of supporters, these girls are running toward the finish line and their limitless potential.
“It made her more confident about achieving goals and female empowerment!”
– Kristen
“She has learned how to be a better listener to her friends and what it means to have empathy.”
– Carrie
“This was her first time recognizing a sense of pride and accomplishment. She also experienced setting a goal, working towards it, and realizing it!”
– Caitlin
A wave of powerful energy bursts from the starting line as girls and community members kick off the Girls on the Run Greater Cincinnati spring 5K! With every step, they celebrate confidence, strength, and the joy of movement. (Photo credit: Horschler)
“She often gets nervous before big events like this, but completing this event made her so proud of herself and her teammates.”
– Jennifer
“She made herself (and obviously us) very proud when she completed this GOTR 5K in her best time. She has now run six 5K with this program and was so excited to hit her best time!”
– Stephanie
“She was able to have fun with her teammates and finish the GOTR 5K without wanting to quit. She even said she wanted to run another one as soon as she finished!”
– Sarah
Shining with confidence and creativity, three Girls on the Run participants from Upstate South Carolina light up the spring 5K in sparkling tutus and bright smiles! Their joy is contagious and their strength unstoppable.
“She saw the impact of people rooting for her, especially her coaches who she loved. She also learned that she could push through something that was difficult.”
– Wendy
Are you interested in getting YOUR Superstar involved in our program next season? Locate a council near you and prepare for a fun fall of transformation!
