Girls on the Run Western North Carolina

We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.

Girls on the Run is more than a running program. It’s a life-changing experience for girls in grades 3 through 8, blending physical activity with lessons on confidence, resilience, and healthy decision-making. Each season culminates in a celebratory 5K event, where girls cross the finish line not just stronger in body, but with a tangible sense of achievement that fuels their confidence in all areas of life.

Our impact is both broad and deep:

• Serving 500+ girls annually across 14 counties and the Qualla Boundary
• Providing over 50% of participants with financial aid, ensuring no girl is turned away
• Reporting that 96% of girls feel more confident after completing our program

We see firsthand how this program changes lives — and we know these girls represent the future of Western North Carolina. With the rising challenges facing youth today, including alarming increases in anxiety and depression, GOTR is a proven, research-based program that meets these needs head-on.