This program is for girls who are in 3rd through 8th grade.

Girls on the Run® (GOTR), a community-based, after-school, positive youth development program, is designed to use running and physical activity as a way of boosting self-confidence, building connections with others, and teaching life skills and core values.

Two non-experimental studies demonstrated improvements in body-size satisfaction, self-esteem, commitment to physical activity, and frequency of vigorous physical activity from pretest to posttest. A third non-experimental study indicated improvements for perceived physical appearance, global self-esteem, and perceived classmate support, but there were no changes in perceived physical or social competence, social responsibility, empathy/sympathy, or in time spent doing physical activity, watching TV, or playing video/computer games at a 3-month follow-up. A quasi-experimental study of 3rd- to 5th-grade participants demonstrated improved body-size satisfaction; however, these gains were not maintained at a 5-month follow-up. There were no improvements in other measures. A second quasi-experimental study indicated that program participants had significant improvements in life skills of managing emotions, resolving conflicts, helping others, and making intentional decisions at a 3-month follow-up compared to girls in other organized activities. Overall, there are promising results for some outcomes; however, results are mixed for other outcomes. Studies with stronger designs using comparison groups and longer follow-ups are needed to assess program effectiveness.

Girls on the Run is a non-competitive program that is designed to increase physical activity and improve social and emotional competency. Girls on the Run includes the following two curricula:

The 3rd-5th grade program includes the following units:

• Understanding ourselves – Develop self-awareness and self-care skills;
• Valuing relationships and teamwork – Build and maintain healthy relationships and promote teamwork; and
• Recognizing how we can shape the world at large – Foster empowerment, celebrate strengths, and encourage community contribution.

The 6th-8th grade program helps participants to learn more about themselves, become independent and critical thinkers, develop skills to write their own stories, and find inner strength through physical activity.

During each program session, the lesson is introduced during an opening activity that is followed by stretching exercises, a warm-up, a running-based workout, a cool-down, and a wrap-up. The program culminates with a 5K running event, which is celebratory and non-competitive and designed to provide the girls with a sense of confidence and pride in their achievements. Camp GOTR (Girls on the Run) is also available for girls in 3rd-5th grade. Please visit https://www.girlsontherun.org/what-we-do/camp/ to learn more.

The program began in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1996 and, in 2000, became Girls on the Run International, which is now a 501(c)3 organization. There are more than 200 councils that serve over 200,000 girls each year in all 50 states, and the program has reached more than 2 million girls since it was launched.

Girls on the Run is offered at the community level by regional councils. If a council is not currently in place in a specific town, individuals must complete an application online to start a new council. Accepted applicants attend a national council director training in Charlotte, North Carolina. To see if a council exists in your community, visit https://www.girlsontherun.org/connect-locally/. The program is facilitated by trained volunteers who serve as coaches and running buddies. Please visit https://www.girlsontherun.org/get-involved/volunteer/ for more information.

Considerations for implementing this program include understanding funding may be necessary to start a council; acquiring buy-in from participants, their parents, and volunteer coaches; ensuring coaches receive training; finding space and time to run program sessions; realizing transportation may need to be provided for participants; and recognizing there could be some costs for participation; however, financial assistance may be available.

The Clearinghouse can help address these considerations. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

If you are interested in implementing Girls on the Run, the Clearinghouse is interested in helping you!
Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

The curriculum is comprised of 90-minute lessons that are held twice a week for 10 weeks. Camp GOTR lasts 1 week.

Please use details in the Contact section for information on implementation costs.

To move the Girls on the Run to the Promising category on the Clearinghouse Continuum of Evidence, at least one evaluation should be performed demonstrating positive effects lasting at least six months from program completion.

The Clearinghouse can help you develop an evaluation plan to ensure the program components are meeting your goals. Please call 1-877-382-9185 or email Clearinghouse@psu.edu

Contact the Clearinghouse with any questions regarding this program.
Phone: 1-877-382-9185     Email: Clearinghouse@psu.edu

You may also contact Girls on the Run International by mail P.O. Box 30667 PMB 65493, Charlotte, NC 28230, phone 1-800-901-9965, email info@girlsontherun.org, or visit https://www.girlsontherun.org/contact-us/

https://www.girlsontherun.org