Girls on the Run (GOTR) of Central Michigan inspires girls to be healthy, confident and connected through engaging lessons that focus on building life-long social skills and healthy lifestyle habits. The program serves girls in 3rd-8th grade. During the 2019 spring season, 119 girls from Isabella County participated in Girls on the Run and 40% of those girls requested financial assistance to do so.

Two girls near the finish line during the 5K Celebration Run.

Thanks to the Kellogg Youth Fund, Women’s Initiative Fund, and Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, more than 50 girls received scholarships to participate in this life-changing program. The curriculum focuses on standing up to peer pressure, making critical decisions, being intentional about choosing friendships, identifying and handling comfortable and uncomfortable emotions, demonstrating respect and responsibility towards self and others, as well as healthful living, eating and activity. After watching her own daughter grow through GOTR, one Isabella County mother said, “The program taught the girls valuable life lessons about being healthy and building their confidence with curriculum which creatively integrates running. […] My daughter had an amazing experience due to her selfless coaches and a friend running with her, encouraging her to cross the finish line!”

Girls on the Run of Central Michigan hosted teams at Fancher, McGuire, Renaissance, Sacred Heart, St. Joseph the Worker, Shepherd, and Winn elementary schools, along with a Heart & Sole team at Shepherd Middle School. GOTR hopes to expand their program to additional schools once they are able to recruit more volunteer coaches.

Inspiring Confidence in Girls Through Running