During a sunset run in 1993, after years of questioning her self-worth and being defined by others, Molly Barker, found the inspiration that grew into Girls on the Run. Seeking a way to help girls thrive in a world that often sends them conflicting messages, she began creating a solution—a solution that would start with a small program and ultimately become a movement.
In 1996 she piloted the earliest version of a 12-week, 24-lesson curriculum with 13 brave girls in Charlotte, North Carolina. While it has evolved and the movement has grown, the heart of the program is still helping 3rd through 8th grade girls uncover their extraordinary potential, demonstrate courage, and generally embrace being "fantabulous."
The volunteer-led program weaves training for a 5K run with fun, experience-based lessons that improve self-awareness, build a collection of positive experiences and inspire life-changing confidence through accomplishment.
Growth
In 2000, responding to growing demand for the program, Girls on the Run International became a 501(c)(3) organization. Today, Girls on the Run is offered in over 173 cities across North America and hundreds of thousands of girls and women's lives have been changed by the program.
2011 Annual Report Click here to download a copy of our fiscal year 2011 annual report. Click here to download a copy of our completed fiscal year 2011 form 990.
Girls on the Run Song We are excited to share our official Girls on the Run song! The song was written by Jessica Sands, a GOTR coach in Northern Virginia, and is featured in our 2012 video. Play this song for your girls, coaches, parents, family and friends! We want to hear you singing the song at your GOTR practices and your end-of-season 5k's! Click here to download the Girls on the Run song!
Horizon Coach of the Year - 2011-2012 Season Our coaches are one of the BIG reasons why Girls on the Run is so much fun! Spring program participants can now submit their 2012 Coach of the Year Award nominations. Nominations must be postmarked by June 15, 2012.
Spring 2012 nominations will be combined with those collected in fall 2011 and Horizon will select one 2012 Coach of the Year and two Runners-Up following the completion of the spring season. Girls can express why they believe their coach deserves to win through writing, coloring, drawing, painting… you name it! Please e-mail the nomination form to your parents and coaches as soon as possible. A copy of the form can also be found at the bottom of the Girls on the Run International home page. For questions, contact Nina Douglas at contest@girlsontherun.org.
GRAND PRIZE WINNER INCENTIVES:
The Coach will receive a Horizon Fitness treadmill or elliptical, $1000, and a trip to the 2013 Girls on the Run Summit
The council will receive $500
The participant whose nomination was selected will receive $100!
RUNNERS UP INCENTIVES (two selected):
The Coach will receive $250
The council will receive $250
The participants whose nominations were selected will each receive a Horizon Fitness prize pack!
