What We Do

10 weeks. 20 lessons. 1 million girls and counting.

What does Girls on the Run do?

One girl put it this way, “I learned that I am the boss of my brain.” Girls on the Run inspires girls to take charge of their lives and define the future on their terms. It’s a place where girls learn that they can. No limits. No constraints. Only opportunities to be remarkable.

How do we do it?

Lots of ways, but we start with helping the girls get a better understanding of who they are and what’s important to them. Then we look at the role of teams and healthy relationships. And, finally, we explore how girls can positively connect with and shape the world.

And remember, we believe that life-changing experiences can be fun too—for everyone—the girls, coaches, families and other volunteers. So don’t be surprised when you hear laughter along with self-reflection and see beaming smiles across the beautiful, confident faces of our girls.

Me + Relationships + Community

Meeting twice a week in small teams of 8-20 girls, we teach life skills through fun, engaging lessons that celebrate the joy of movement. The 20-lesson curriculum is taught by certified Girls on the Run® coaches and includes three parts: understanding ourselves, valuing relationships and teamwork and understanding how we connect with and shape the world at large. Over the course of the program, girls will develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care and compassion, create positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful contribution to community and society.

Power Through Service

Acknowledging that accomplishment has many flavors, each team creates and executes a local community service project. This experience demonstrates to girls the unimaginable strength that comes from helping others.

Up and Running

At each season’s conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a 5k running event. In some cities this is a large, community-wide event and in others, it’s an inspiring gathering of friends and family. Completing a 5k gives the girls a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals. The results are the same—making the seemingly impossible, possible.

Simple, engaging and extraordinary. The result? Healthy, confident girls who can.

 “I learned: To stand up for myself, That you need to stay healthy, That I’m special if I think I am”