A new Girls on the Run afterschool program season is upon us! Keep reading to discover how our girl empowerment program is essential for today’s youth through the voices of our councils. Check out their top reasons why parents should act quickly and register their girl for Girls on the Run!
No one sees the transformative power of Girls on the Run better than our council leaders, and their reasons for registering your girl will have you “racing” to sign up today!
Backed by research, fueled by fun, and proven through countless success stories, Girls on the Run inspires girls to embrace their voices, build lasting friendships, and discover the joy of movement.
The program helps participants recognize their strengths and use them with pride. Trained coaches lead activities that teach healthy habits and create team connections. At practice sites, participants find belonging, make friends, and share their voices. By the end of the program, parents see their daughters gain resilience, courage, and a deep belief in themselves.
Council leaders across the country witness and support these experiences season after season. With passion, dedication, and firsthand involvement, they bring our program to life. In this blog, eight councils share the reasons parents can feel confident registering their daughter for Girls on the Run and preparing them for a season their girls will never forget.
Girls on the Run Southeastern Suburban PA
“Caregivers should register their girl for Girls on the Run because our program teaches critical life skills by giving girls confidence through accomplishment. It’s not just a moment, it’s a movement!” – Caitlyn Johnson, Outreach Manager
A GOTR dad beaming with pride beside a couple of GOTR superstars at a recent 5K Celebration!
Girls on the Run WestSound
“Our council is always happy to see grown-ups sign their girl up for Girls on the Run because girls learn important life skills like I Can! Power (the power to do hard things) during the program.” – Noël Abrams, Program Manager
All hands in for a cheer before taking the GOTR WestSound 5K starting line!
Girls on the Run Greater Kansas City
“We believe caregivers should register their girl for Girls on the Run this fall to allow her a fun and safe space to grow in her confidence, friendships, and dreams. Girls on the Run ignites play, activity, and goal setting in an energetic environment and team setting. It is a place for all girls, a place of belonging, and a place for every girl to shine.” – Victoria Wymer, Director of Race Operations and Community Engagement
GOTR girls passing along good vibes to fellow teammates on 5K day in Greater Kansas City.
Girls on the Run New Jersey East
“As a staff member for Girls on the Run NJ East and a mom of two GOTR girls, I think one of the greatest gifts of this program is the mentorship provided by our volunteer coaches. Spending two afternoons a week with grown-ups who listen and care is a golden opportunity for adolescent girls!” – Suzanne Elliot, Executive Director
“As both a coach and staff member, I’ve seen firsthand how much this program means to kids. Girls on the Run creates a safe, welcoming space in a world where being in 3rd–5th grade doesn’t always feel that way. Every season, I watch girls form genuine friendships—sometimes with kids they might never have met otherwise—and experience the joy of movement in a non-competitive way, building healthy habits and confidence that last far beyond the season.” – Julie Felsher, Communications Director
Top: Suzanne smiling brightly and joining in on the run at a Girls on the Run practice. Bottom: Julie sharing her sunny spark throughout the day at a recent 5K Celebration.
Girls on the Run Treasure Valley
“When you register your girl for Girls on the Run, you’re giving her so much more than an after-school program. You’re giving her a safe space to build confidence, form lasting friendships, and discover her limitless potential. Each season, we see girls leave with stronger hearts, bolder voices, and the belief that they can take on any challenge. We are especially excited for the launch of Hello, Bold Heart! and the powerful lessons it will bring.”
A friendly “hello” from a coach and GOTR girl captured as they head toward the 5K finish line at the GOTR Treasure Valley 5K!
Girls on the Run Greater Chesapeake
“Our coaches and former participants recently shared great reasons to sign your girl up. One coach expressed how vital it is for young ladies to have an outlet to express themselves. An alumna told us that she loved the program because it helped her build a lot of confidence, form a ton of friendships, and contributed to how she developed as a person.
We’re also thrilled to introduce our Hello, Bold Heart! curriculum this fall. We can’t wait to witness the girls building the confidence to share what’s in their hearts. Join us!” – Kelly Makimaa, Executive Director
The face of a bold, brave, and brilliant GOTR girl about to crush her goals at the GOTR Chesapeake 5K!
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia
“Parents tell us that Girls on the Run is the perfect balance of physical activity and emotional growth, helping girls build confidence, resilience, and friendships in a supportive environment, all while fostering a community of like-minded families.” – Sammy Carr Communications Manager
A team of Heart & Sole all-stars together and embracing the joy of the big day at the GOTR Northern Virginia 5K.
Girls on the Run Michiana
“When you say yes to Girls on the Run, you’ll get to watch something amazing happen. Your daughter will start believing in herself and finding her voice – not just to speak up but to stand up for herself and her friends when it really matters. And here’s the beautiful part: that confidence she builds is going to help her form the kind of deep, genuine friendships that will be there for her long after she’s grown up.” – Rochelle Day, Communications/Marketing
Hand-in-hand, these GOTR girls are there for one another at the GOTR Michiana 5K and beyond!
Is a team near you not on this list? No problem! Visit this page to find a council near you.
With more than 160 locations in the US and Canada, our movement is growing by the minute!
