Girls on the Run celebrates 20 years of empowerment

Girls on the Run (GOTR) International is celebrating 20 years of empowering young females, and the organization is calling on the public to help celebrate. By using the hashtag #GOTRBorntoRun and sharing what one believes she was born to do, joining the festivities is made simple. 

Girls in grades 3-8 make strides toward self-discovery throughout the program, as they train with coaches who incorporate physical activity, along with confidence and character building to prompt self-love. 

The nonprofit began in Charlotte, N.C. with 13 eager participants, but throughout the past 20 years it’s expanded to include 225 councils serving more than 1 million girls.

GOTR Cincinnati, which launched in 2005, served 3,000 girls last year alone, 50 percent of whom received financial support to make their journeys possible. 

“Thanks to dedicated coaches, volunteers, sponsors, partners and SoleMates, we are able to continue to reach more girls every year and provide scholarships to reach every girl with interest,” says Mary Gaertner, GOTR Cincinnati’s executive director.

And the organization hopes to continue to do so in the years to come. 

Girls enrolled in this year’s spring session are currently training for their program culmination: a 5k that takes place at Paul Brown Stadium. 

Share what you were born to do and help girls celebrate locally by cheering them on or even joining in their 5k as they realize their potential while experiencing a sense of accomplishment May 7.

Do Good: 

• What were you born to do? Share your passion on social media, and use the hashtag #GOTRBorntoRun.

• Register for the GOTR Cincinnati 5k on May 7 (beginning at Paul Brown Stadium downtown) and help the girls celebrate in-person. 

• Become a SoleMate and help fundraise for GOTR Cincinnati so the nonprofit can reach even more girls in years to come.