Girls on the Run, Maryland

Girls on the Run of Montgomery County is an independent chapter of the Girls on the Run International® Organization. The after school program for 3rd through 8th grade girls promotes healthy choices and inspires physical activity. We are non-profit that strives to touch the lives of young girls throughout Montgomery County regardless of their families' economic status.

Girls meet twice each week for 9-10 weeks at their chosen location. The weekly lessons prepare the girls physically for a 5k (3.1 mile) running race, and mentally for various life issues pre-teen girls typically face.

The History of GOTR

GOTR was “invented” in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1996 by Molly Barker, MSW and 4-time Hawaii Ironman competitor. GOTR of Montgomery County is one of the newer chapters to join GOTR International®, and began delivering programs in the Spring of 2007. There are now over 140 programs across the country, including ours, here in Montgomery County.

The Philosophy behind the GOTR curriculum

We use experiential learning programs, which combines training for a 5K race/walk event with a curricula designed to promote good choices for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

Girls on the Run programs are led by CPR certified and trained coaches. The coaches meet with 8 to 15 girls in grades 3-5, (or 6-8 for Girls on Track®), twice a week at fields or tracks for one hour sessions over a period of up to ten weeks. The coaches lead the girls in running games and workouts that prepare the girls for participating in and completing a 5K (3.1 miles) walking/running event. Woven into the games and workouts are discussions and education about important issues facing pre-teens and teens.

Each curriculum (one for spring and one for fall) covers 24 lessons. The curriculum is divided into three parts:

• Part One: Understanding ourselves and setting personal goals
• Part Two: Learning skills to foster leadership, team building, and cooperation
• Part Three: Examining our relationship to the community, including development and implementation of a community service project.

Sample Lesson