About

Emily Weiss Photography

What is Girls on the Run?

Our Mission

To educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

The Program

Girls on the Run® is a 501(c)3 positive youth development program which combines an interactive curriculum and running to inspire self-respect and healthy lifestyles in pre-teen girls. Our core curriculum addresses many aspects of girls’ development – their physical, emotional, mental and social well-being. Lessons provide girls with the tools to make positive decisions and to avoid risky adolescent behaviors.

The Washington, D.C., council was founded in 2006 by Carol Lynn Bamford, a mother of two daughters, who wanted her daughters and other girls in Washington to experience GOTR.

In fall 2009, we served more than 500 girls in D.C. at more than 30 site locations.

Demographics

• Girls on the Run program: girls in 3rd-5th grade and their families
• Girls on Track program: girls in 6th-8th grade and their families
• Program Facilitators: coaches, volunteers, women of all ages and their families

National Recognition for Girls on the Run®

Featured on CNN, NBC, ESPN, I-Village Live and in the following national publications: Shape Magazine, O, People, Better Homes & Gardens, Runner’s World, Fitness Magazine, Running Times, Cooking Light, Walking, Parent, American Girl, Healthy Kids, Glamour, Women’s Day, Real Simple, Redbook, Southern Living and extensive local media throughout the United States.

Program Design

• Three 24-lesson curriculums teach life skills through group processing, running games and workouts. The three-part curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run® coaches and includes understanding ourselves, valuing teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large.
• Girls choose and conduct a community service project
• At each season’s conclusion, the girls complete a 5k running event as a group

Measurable Results:

• Academic evaluations of the program show a statistically significant improvement in body image, eating attitudes and self-esteem
• Evidence also indicates an improved sense of identity and an increasingly active lifestyle for program participants
• Read more about results here

Seasonal Programming

Girls on the Run sessions are offered in the fall and in the spring.

• Fall Session: Ten or Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from August to December
• Spring Session: Ten or Twelve-week program meeting twice a week from January to May

Funding

Girls on the Run International is proud to partner with New Balance, Kellogg’s Frosted Flakes, Secret deodorant, Horizon Fitness, Goody Products, and Carolina Pad. Our national sponsors provide vital support to advance the mission of our organization. We also rely on grants, individual donations and fees. Girls on the Run® councils operate as independent 501(c)3 organizations or affiliate with established501(c)3 organizations. Councils are funded by program fees, individual contributions, corporate support and grants. The program is fee-based; however, financial assistance is available to ensure the program is accessible to all who are interested.

Partnerships

Girls on the Run® councils collaborate with a variety of non-profit organizations, including community hospitals, recreation centers, public and private schools, YWCA’s, YMCA’s, Boys & Girls Clubs, health departments, law enforcement organizations, running & fitness clubs and universities.