Girls on the Run New Jersey East

We inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Children today are exposed to longstanding gender stereotypes, societal obstacles and cultural challenges that can be detrimental to their emotional and physical health. Our program helps girls recognize their potential and rise above limiting gender expectations. Girls on the Run programs are about so much more than running – they make an impact at a critical age when confidence and physical activity decline.

"Girls on the Run gave me self-confidence to accomplish things that might be hard in my life, and really just taught me to be brave and be strong." Addyson, GOTR participant

97%
of girls learned critical life skills including resolving conflict, helping others and making intentional decisions.
40%
increase in physical activity among girls who were least active at the program’s start.
97%
of participants agree they can be themselves at Girls on the Run.
$50
CPR Training for 2 Coaches
$100
5K Medals for 4 teams
$250
All expenses for 1 girl to participate in 16 lesson season + 5K

Financials

$532k
2023 Budget
73%Program Spend
15%Management Spend
13%Fundraising Spend
73%
15%
13%

Programs

Girls on the Run

3rd-5th Grades

Girls on the Run inspires individuals of all abilities to discover, build, and grow their self-confidence. Together, they experience a sense of belonging and connection as a team. Volunteer coaches facilitate lessons that blend physical activity with life skill development, including managing emotions, fostering friendships, and expressing empathy. At the end of the season, the team completes a Community Impact Project and a 5K together, which provides a tangible sense of accomplishment and sets a confident mindset into motion.

Heart & Sole

6th-8th Grades

Our Heart & Sole middle school program is designed to meet the unique needs of 6th-8th grade girls of all abilities. The program considers the whole person – body, brain, heart, spirit and social connection. Heart & Sole offers an inclusive place of belonging, where participants feel supported and inspired to explore their emotions, cultivate empathy and strengthen their physical and emotional health. At the end of the season, all team members complete a 5K.

Volunteering + Events

Become a Coach

Coaches are the heart of our program! Girls on the Run coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team of participants through a season of powerful and fun lessons. You do not need to be a runner; you simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.

Junior Coach

Serving as a Junior Coach is a fun and rewarding way to get involved with Girls on the Run! This volunteer position is for high school girls aged 16-18 years old who want to grow their leadership skills. Paired with a Mentor Coach, Junior Coaches receive support to develop their own skills while serving as role models to program participants.