Mission
To educate and prepare girls for a life time of self-respect and healthy living.
About
Girls on the Run® is
a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age eight to
thirteen years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile
running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals
of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental,
spiritual and physical development.
Objectives The objective of Girls on the Run is
to educate and empower girls at an early age in order to prevent the
display of at-risk activities in the future. At risk activities include
substance/alcohol use, eating disorders, early onset of sexual
activity, sedentary lifestyle, depression, suicide attempts and
confrontations with the juvenile justice system.
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
Vision
- To provide life-changing, high quality programs for girls
- To provide life-changing and high quality experiences to the women developing and delivering the programs
- To promote and provide an environment that allows girls and women to reach their full potential
- To positively transform how girls and women perceive themselves and their place in society
Our Core Values
Girls on the Run honors its core values:
- We live our lives with gratitude
- We are honest
- We maintain balance in our lives
- We are tobacco and drug-free
- We seek the positive in life’s challenges
- We live outside the “Girl Box”
- We are open-minded
- We positively assert ourselves
- We make our best effort always
- We live with intention in the present
- We strive to improve our self-awareness
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
Girls On Track
Girls on the Run is the name of our organization, but we have two programs:


- Girls on the Run -- for 3rd-5th graders
- Girls on Track -- for 6th-8th graders
The psychological
research and principal philosophy behind both programs is the same, yet
the depth of processing varies in order to be age appropriate. The
Girls on Track middle school curriculum allows for more mature
processing around certain topics including eating disorders, internet
safety, cyber bullying and tobacco and alcohol use.
National Recognition for Girls on the Run®
Featured
on CNN, NBC, ESPN, Real Simple, 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, Redbook, Southern Living and extensive local media throughout the
United States.
Program Design
- Three 20-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
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.
Curricula Organization
The curriculum is divided into three parts:
- The first portion of the lessons are centered on the girls getting to know
themselves. Examining their values, their likes and dislikes, and who
they envision themselves to be. As the girls get to know themselves,
they are also sharing with each other. Lesson topics and learning goals
include “fueling our healthy pace”, “centering: the importance of
slowing down” and “celebrating gratitude.”
- The next portion of the lessons concentrate on team building, being
supportive, learning to listen and cooperate, etc. Lesson topics and
learning goals include “standing up to peer pressure”, “gossiping hurts
everyone” and “it’s okay to choose my friends.”
- The last portion of the lessons relate to the world at large. This includes
making a contribution to your community and learning to recognize and
deal with the negative messages we often receive from the world (media
awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.) Lesson topics and learning
goals include: “learning about community”, “tuning into a new message
(media literacy)” and the development and implementation of a group
community project.
The 20 lessons conclude with the opportunity to participate in a 5k event.
Seasonal Programming
Girls on the Run sessions are offered in the fall or in the spring.
- Fall Session: Ten program meeting twice a week from early September to end of November
- Spring Session: Ten program meeting twice a week from March to June
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