30 Years of Building Confidence, Connection, and Community

This milestone honors our past, celebrates our present, and looks boldly to the future, because the finish line is just the beginning.

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In 1996, 13 girls gathered in Charlotte, N.C., for the first season of Girls on the Run. What began as one team with a bold idea has grown into a national movement that has empowered more than 2.7 million girls to know their strengths, trust their voice, and thrive in school, at home, and in their communities.

We celebrate three decades of impact and look forward to the lasting skills girls carry with them for life.

What Girls Gain
Lasts a Lifetime

Confidence

Skills that help every girl prepare for what’s next.
95% of participants said they are more confident because of GOTR.

Connection

A place where every girl feels seen, included, and supported. 98% of participants felt like they belonged at GOTR.

Community

When girls give back, communities grow stronger. Each season, participants plan, create, and carry out more than 11,600 Community Impact Projects.

Since 1996

We have been passionate about ensuring that our programming inspires participants to know and activate their potential, not just for the length of the season, but for life.

  • Girls on the Run was founded by Molly Barker in Charlotte, NC.

    Molly Barker posing with 2 Girls on the Run participants.

  • Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

    Icon of hands holding a heart.

  • Elizabeth Kunz appointed as CEO.

    Photo of Elizabeth Kunz.

  • Half a million girls served.

    Text stating '500,000'

  • Mission, vision, and values set.

    Icon of a lightbulb.

  • GOTR 5K series begins.

    *Now, one of the largest 5K series in the U.S.!

    Image of medals handed out at the 5K.

  • Heart & Sole launched.

    Cover of the Heart & Sole Journal.

  • Councils active in all 50 states.

    Image of the United States in pink.

  • National Coach Training introduced.

    Cover of the NCT Coach guide.

  • Junior Coach program established.

    Photo of 3 Junior Coaches.

  • Camp GOTR launched for summer months.

    Camp GOTR logo.

  • External longitudinal study published, reporting significant and sustained impact following program participation.

    icon of seedling growing.

  • 2 million girls served; virtual programming developed during COVID-19.

    Text saying '2 million!'

  • Newest curricula released: Hello, Superstar!, Hello, Mountain Mover!, and Hello, Bold Heart!

    Image of 3 journals from the newest curricula.

  • GOTR celebrates 30th anniversary and 2.7 million girls served.

    Girls on the Run 30th Anniversary Logo.

Stay Connected

Throughout our 30th year and beyond, we invite you to stay connected with Girls on the Run and celebrate this incredible journey with us.

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