GOTR pairs running instruction with mentorship and social-emotional learning, giving girls in grades 3-8 the strength and support they need to thrive in life. Twice a week for ten weeks, girls meet with their mentors after school in small groups, challenging themselves physically while engaging in goal setting and team-building activities that build their confidence, stamina, and character. GOTR tailors its evidence-based curricula by age group, addressing the different self-esteem, academic, and other issues girls face in elementary and middle school. At the end of the season, every girl completes a 5K run with an adult running buddy — achieving a milestone they set for themselves. Across all eight wards of DC and in part of Prince George’s County, GOTR promotes the well-being of 1700+ girls annually and inspires them to believe in themselves.

Headquarters: DC-Ward 5

Where They Operate: DC-Citywide; MD-Prince George's County

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17)

Population(s) Served: Women/Girls

Schools They Work In: The schools we serve varies from season to season, however, we serve girls in public, public charter and private schools.


  • Girls on the Run - DC serves girls in 3rd - 8th grade across all 8 wards with 167 teams this year:  
    Over 1,100 program scholarships were provided enabling girls across the District who could not otherwise participate in the program the opportunity to learn to be joyful, healthy and confident through the program.
  • Survey data:  
    Evaluation results demonstrate that girls who participate in Girls on the Run have increased self-esteem, improved body image, and are committed to physical activity.

Awards & Recognition

DC Council Ceremonial Resolution: awarded Spring, 2011 in recognition of the work Girls on the Run - DC has done to promote health and wellness for girls and women throughout all 8 Wards of the District.
Best Running Related Non-Profit, RunWashington Magazine, 2014
CareFirst's Healthy Walks Community Partner, 2014
CareFirst's Healthy Walks Community Partner, 2015

Press

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Girls on the Run - DC is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Every year, 190+ local nonprofits (with budgets under $4M) apply to join the Spur Local network. 170+ community volunteers assess these applications for impact. 100% of organizations are site visited and financially reviewed. Finally, 76+ critical, local nonprofits are selected for inclusion in Spur Local's annual print and digital catalog, and enter a four-year partnership with us. Since 2003, we have raised over $65 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region. We charge no fees and raise funds separately to support our work.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Girls on the Run - DC you might also like



This organization collaborates with