After commemorating its 5th anniversary last year, Girls on the Run (GOTR) Memphis is moving into its sixth year with momentum and actively seeking program participants for the upcoming Spring 2024 season. Girls on the Run is an international nonprofit organization that focuses on empowering third to eighth-grade girls by enhancing their social, emotional, physical, and behavioral skills. This impactful program, guided by passionate volunteer coaches who also serve as mentors, is designed to instill joy, promote health, and build confidence in young girls. Notably, the US Surgeon General recognizes Girls on the Run as a valuable mental health resource. The engaging curriculum creatively incorporates running, making the journey both fun and transformative.

“Our mission goes beyond running; it's about providing a nurturing environment where girls can freely express themselves, develop essential coping skills, foster meaningful connections, and cultivate unwavering confidence,” said Joanna Lipman, executive director for Girls on the Run Memphis."Our program is non-competitive and welcomes girls from all backgrounds.  We connect girls with important mentors -empowering girls to thrive, one step at a time.”

“As a GOTR girl myself, I've experienced the transformative power of our program firsthand. It's been so rewarding helping other girls discover their strength and confidence along the way,” said Mia-Miracle Craig, Girls on the Run Memphis program assistant and past participant.

Girls on the Run will bring its social and emotional programming to girls ages 8-13 in the Mid-South, 2x a week for 10 weeks, from February 11 - April 28th. Online registration is now open for program participants through February 11 at gotrmemphis.org/programs. 

Together with their coaches, girls explore topics and participate in activities that empower them to understand and value their physical and mental health. Girls on the Run targets the development of the WHOLE girl, through mind, body, and spirit. The cost for the entire season is $150 per student. That fee includes a t-shirt, water bottle, cinch-sack, and the 5K entry. Financial assistance is available to all girls, and no girl will be turned away for an inability to pay the full amount. 

“At Girls on the Run, our vision is a world where every girl discovers her inner power, celebrates her unique identity, and unleashes her boundless potential,” said Lipman. “Access and inclusion are our priority, and we don’t want to miss out on any opportunity to change someone’s life.”

Since its inception in Memphis in 2018, the organization has served close to 1,300 girls and engaged 400 volunteers at approximately 20 program sites-including local parks, community centers, and public, private and charter schools. The program concludes each season with a GOTR 5K Run & Celebration, set to take place on April 28 at the University of Memphis, providing the girls with a tangible sense of accomplishment.