From Warm-Up to Energy Award: How Girls on the Run Empowers Every Step
Organized just like our research-based curriculum, because we don’t just talk the talk, we run the run.
Coaches, are you ready?
This fall, your girl can discover her limitless potential, one joyful step at a time — and we’d love to see her shining on the team. One incredible aspect that sets Girls on the Run apart from other sports or youth organizations is our exceptional coaches. We always say that our coaches are the heart of Girls on the Run, and it’s true.
Coaches are passionate about helping girls become healthier, more joyful, and more confident, and it shows. Whether they’re cheering during laps, leading group discussions, or simply listening with compassion, our coaches go above and beyond to make every girl feel seen and celebrated.
Team, are you ready?
With trained, enthusiastic coaches leading the way, every practice becomes a space for connection, laughter, and growth. While our curriculum is structured and intentional, it’s also flexible and fun, designed to meet each girl where she is.
We always say, “Girls on the Run is so much fun,” and we mean it. Girls laugh, bond, move their bodies, and walk away feeling stronger and more connected after every practice. Coaches foster a team culture that empowers girls to develop the confidence to lead healthier and more joyful lives.
Getting on Board
Every lesson opens with meaningful conversations that introduce girls to essential life skills. Through fun, engaging activities, coaches weave these themes into movement, helping confidence grow and take root from the very start.
A national study by Dr. Maureen R. Weiss found that 97% of Girls on the Run participants gained skills they use every day—from managing emotions to making thoughtful decisions and resolving conflicts.
Warm-Up
Just like a good practice begins with a warm-up to get the body moving, we’re easing into this conversation with the big picture. Now, it’s time to dig deeper into how Girls on the Run works and why it makes such a powerful impact.
Stretch and Strengthening
Girls’ self-confidence has been declining over the past several years, with the biggest drop seen in upper elementary grades (Ruling Our eXperiences, 2023). That’s why programs like Girls on the Run are more important than ever. They give girls a space to grow, move, and shine.
Across national GOTR teams, 98% of girls have fun at practice, 98% recommend the program to their friends, and 97% learn important life skills they carry with them every day. Through every lap, discussion, and activity, girls stretch their potential, strengthen their confidence, and celebrate who they are, all while building friendships and having a blast along the way.
Workout
Each lesson includes a workout portion where girls physically move while reflecting on the day’s topic. During this time, they set personal lap goals based on their ability and are encouraged to move at their “happy pace.”
In that same spirit, we’ve set a “lap goal” of sharing 10 powerful voices from our GOTR community because we know that hearing directly from those involved makes all the difference.
From Caregivers:
“My daughter’s attitude has improved tremendously… now she does a lot better at controlling her outbursts and expressing her point of view.”
“Running has helped her handle her anxiety — it’s been a huge confidence boost and a way to relieve stress from school.”
“My child was so proud to have accomplished her 5K… she encouraged me! She’s shown such growth with a positive mindset towards herself and others.”
From Girls:
“I can use my I CAN! power in many different ways.”
“I became more confident.”
“I learned to keep going, and I know I can do it. I am strong and to never give up my dreams!”
From Coaches:
"[Girls on the Run is] a chance to help shape girls into stronger women who are confident and ready to overcome life’s challenges.”
“GOTR is the program I needed as a girl. It’s the perfect way to build strong girls for a more empowered future.”
“GOTR is not just about running — it’s about inspiring young girls and helping them find the tools within themselves to live a healthy lifestyle, both physically and mentally.”
From School Staff:
“As an assistant principal, I hear from teachers about how Girls on the Run has impacted our girls. Many noticed changes after just a few practices, more confidence, better peer interactions, and even improved academic performance. GOTR is truly transformative.”
Wrap-up (with Energy Awards)
Every Girls on the Run practice ends with an energy award and this message wouldn’t be complete without one too:
The energy award goes to YOU, the caregivers and champions who are raising the next generation of leaders. Superstar spirit fingers to YOU for supporting your girl and helping her grow into her most joyful, confident self!
We’d love your girl to join us this fall for a season full of fun, friendship, and growth. It all kicks off the week of September 8 and wraps up with our celebratory 5K on November 22 at CMI in Greenville.
Register your girl today: https://www.pinwheel.us/register/index/Upstate-sc-fall-2025