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.

In 1996, 13 girls gathered in Charlotte, N.C., for the first Girls on the Run season. From that start, GOTR has grown across North America, reaching more than 2.7 million girls with confidence, connection, and community.

Since then, Girls on the Run has inspired confidence in girls, helped them form lasting connections, and strengthened communities from coast to coast. Our 30th Anniversary honors three decades of impact while showing how GOTR is more relevant than ever by equipping girls with skills they carry well beyond the season.

Confidence

Confidence today to take on what’s next! 95% of participants said they are more confident because of GOTR.

Connection

At GOTR, girls find a place of connection and belonging. 98% of participants felt like they belonged at GOTR.

Community

When girls give back, communities grow stronger. Each season, GOTR 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 is founded in Charlotte, N.C., with 13 girls

    Photo of three participants from the first GOTR team.

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

    Icon of hands holding a heart.

  • Mission, vision, and values set

    Icon of a lightbulb.

  • GOTR 5K series begins

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

    Image of medals handed out at the 5K.

  • Elizabeth Kunz appointed as CEO

    Photo of Elizabeth Kunz.

  • Councils active in all 50 states

    Image of the United States in pink.

  • National Coach Training introduced

    Cover of the NCT Coach guide.

  • External longitudinal study published, reporting significant and sustained impact of the program

    icon of seedling growing.

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

    Text saying '2 million!'

  • Camp GOTR launched for summer months

    Camp GOTR logo.

  • 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.

What’s Next?

We’re looking forward to serving 3 million girls by the end of our 30th year! Help support the future of Girls on the Run to ensure GOTR girls will have access to our programs for years to come.

30th Content Blog Module