A FOUNDATION FOR LIFELONG IMPACT
Early research shows strong gains in confidence, connection, and physical activity - outcomes we now see sustained over time, as new findings show.
97%
of girls said they learn critical life skills, including resolving conflict, helping others, or making intentional decisions.
85%
of girls improved in confidence, caring, competence, character development, or connection to others.
40%
increase in physical activity level among girls who were least active at the start of the season.
LASTING IMPACT
Skills and strategies that stay with her – shaping confidence, relationships, and how she navigates the world.
The Girls on the Run Alums Study provides evidence that the life skills and strategies girls learn in elementary school are remembered and used years later. This research follows a cohort of participants from fourth to eighth grade and demonstrates the lasting impact of our program.
Girls built lasting practical life skills, strengthened how they see themselves, and learned how to build supportive relationships.
81%
of alums credited Girls on the Run with their ability to manage emotions.
89%
of alums said Girls on the Run influenced their ability to set and achieve goals.
91%
of alums said Girls on the Run helped them resolve conflicts with peers.
87%
of alums said Girls on the Run helped them make intentional decisions.
95%
of alums reported that Girls on the Run influenced their ability to appreciate differences.
93%
of alums said Girls on the Run strengthened their ability to help others.
93%
of alums credited Girls on the Run with helping them stand up for others.
85%
of alums interviewed identified specific skills and strategies they learned in Girls on the Run and still use now.
STRONGER THAN SPORTS
Girls on the Run makes a stronger impact than organized sports and physical education programs in teaching life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions.
ONE OF A KIND
The only program of its kind, we focus on the important connection between mind and body. Our combination of targeted lessons and physical activity instill confidence and nurture care and compassion in every girl.
LIFE-LONG IMPACT
Results show our program inspires and empowers girls to build healthy physical and mental habits that last long beyond the program.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
With the help of dedicated supporters, we are transforming the lives of girls across the country. Join the Girls on the Run movement today by connecting with your local council, and help more girls activate their limitless potential and boldly pursue their dreams.
At an age when girls are constantly trying to measure up to ideas of who they should be or how they should act, Girls on the Run leads them to understand that their potential isn’t just enormous — it’s beyond measure.
Summary Report and Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Lasting Impact: Girls on the Run Alums Study – Summary Report of Findings for 8th Grade
- Girls on the Run: A Longitudinal Study of Program Impact
- Girls on the Run: Impact of a Physical Activity Youth Development Program on Psychosocial and Behavioral Outcomes (2019)
- Evaluating Girls on the Run in Promoting Positive Youth Development: Group Comparisons on Life Skills Transfer and Social Processes (2020)
- “A Piece of Sanity in the Midst of Insane Times”: Girls on the Run Programming to Promote Physical Activity and Psychosocial Well-Being During the COVID-19 Pandemic (2020)
- Inspiring IDEA: Girls on the Run’s Developmental Approach to and Assessment of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Programming (2023)
- Winning Beyond the Game: Preliminary Findings from the Million Coaches Challenge Implementation Study (2025)