Since 2012, Girls on the Run (GOTR) Northwest Ohio has served over 7,000 girls in their 14-county territory. GOTR International has transformed 2.5 million lives.
GOTR has recently been awarded a grant through the Toledo Neighborhoods Fund, supporting their mission to inspire all girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through an experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running, building a community where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and boldly pursues her dreams
More Than Just Running
While running is in the name, it represents just a small piece of GOTR's comprehensive approach. The program is serving 540 girls this spring across multiple school districts, strengthening third to eighth grade girls’ social, emotional, physical and behavioral skills to successfully navigate life experiences.
"Our curriculum is made up of 16 lessons that combine physical activity with life skill development, which is known as the 5Cs + 1: Confidence, Competence, Caring, Connection, and Character and Contribution, ” explains Chrystie Paris, executive director. "We might start with a lesson on friendship, have a discussion and an activity, then move outdoors for a workout that reinforces those concepts through movement and reflection."
This approach creates a dynamic learning environment where girls practice real-world scenarios, complete running activities, and then gather to share feedback and insights—building both physical and emotional strength simultaneously.
Program Structure and Growth
The GOTR season runs for eight weeks with participants attending two 90-minute practices each week. Trained volunteer coaches, primarily teachers within the participating schools, guide girls in grades 3-8 through the curriculum.
The program has established a significant presence across northwest Ohio, operating in:
- Toledo Public Schools (10 schools)
- Sylvania
- Perrysburg
- Washington Local Schools
- Sandusky Central Catholic
- Ottawa/Glandorf
- Bowling Green
- Rossford Local Schools
- Anthony Wayne Schools
- Ottawa Hills Elementary
- Napoleon Schools
- Maumee Schools
Each season culminates in a celebratory 5K event, this year in downtown Rossford, where participants are paired with running buddies who encourage them throughout the course. Now in its 25th season, this event draws 1,300-1,400 runners annually, creating a powerful community celebration of perseverance and achievement.
Impact on Local Communities
The expansion of GOTR into more schools is having a measurable impact on participants and their communities. The program equips girls with coping skills to combat at-risk behaviors, supports mental health, and develops crucial workforce skills like negotiation and effective communication.
"We're teaching girls how to communicate effectively, how to build meaningful friendships, and how to set and work toward goals," notes Paris. "These are skills that keep them engaged in school and prepare them for future success."
Success Stories
The program's growth and impact are evident in schools across the region:
- At Larchmont Elementary, participation increased from 15 to 23 girls, requiring additional coaches to meet demand
- One participant with attendance challenges made a special effort to return to school after a doctor's appointment specifically to attend GOTR practice
- Deveaux Elementary's "Heart and Sole" program for 6th-8th grade girls is new to the school and has grown to 10 participants
- Glenwood Elementary, now in its fourth season, engages 14 participants with support from six dedicated coaches
Measurable Results
End-of-season surveys from spring 2024 demonstrate the program's effectiveness:
- Participant caregivers report 35% increase in child's confidence pre and post season.
- 97% of girls said they learned critical life skills.
- 96% of schools would offer the program again.
Girls on the Run continues to expand their reach, empowering more girls to develop the confidence, social skills, and healthy habits to serve them throughout their lives and strengthen our entire community.