Our Program

Mission

To positively impact girls across the St. Louis community through our unique program that combines health and wellness education with a goal-oriented running program.  Our goal is to prepare and educate girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living during their critical years of development (i.e. ages 8-14).  The program is designed to empower young girls to believe in themselves and embrace their full potential as they become young adults.  We are a non-profit organization supported by the St. Louis community that is financially responsible to ensure long term growth and sustainability.

About

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, experiential learning programs for girls age 8-14 years old. The programs combine training for a 3.1 mile running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts. The goals of the programs are to encourage positive emotional, social, mental, spiritual and physical development.

Objectives

The Girls on the Run objective is to reduce the potential display of at-risk activities among its participants. The goal is fewer adolescent pregnancies and eating disorders, less depression and suicide attempts, as well as fewer substance/alcohol abuse problems and confrontations with the juvenile justice system.

Our Approach

Girls on the Run delivers our message to young girls through volunteer coaches and mentors. Our 10-week character building program of experiential learning through running teaches very specific and well-defined social and personal skills. The program culminates in a non-competitive 5K run event which gives the girls a chance to shine and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.

Measurable Results

Academic evaluations of the program show a statistically significant improvement in body image, eating attitudes and self-esteem.  Evidence also indicates an improved sense and an increasingly active lifestyle for program participants.  Click here to read a research article on the changes in psychosocial factors and physical activity frequency among Girls on the Run and Girls on Track participants.