Girls on the Run of Northwest Washington

Girls on the Run is an experiential learning program for 8 to 12 year old girls that combines training for a 5K race with life-changing, self-esteem enhancing, uplifting warm-ups and workouts that encourage emotional, social, mental and physical development. The mission of the organization is to educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. The 24 lesson curricula empowers girls with a greater sense of self-awareness, a sense of achievement and a foundation in team building as well as a commitment to enhancing their communities, all of which helps them become, strong contented and self-confident women. Through interactive activities such as running, playing games and discussing important issues, participants in the 12-week after school program learn how to celebrate their unique and real selves. Each session is lead by trained female volunteer coaches that guide and mentor girls through the fun and uplifting curriculum. Girls on the Run is NOT a program that trains girls to compete at an elite running level. It is NOT a program targeting obesity, although an indirect outcome of the program will be a healthier, fitter and more "alive" girl. Girls on the Run volunteer coaches do NOT need to be elite runners. Any woman, who lives a healthy lifestyle and is committed to improving the lives of girls, can serve as a GOTR coach.

Girls on the Run of Northwest Washington is a council of Girls on the Run International and an affiliate of the Whatcom Family YMCA.