GOTR pairs character education with running instruction, giving girls in all eight wards of DC and in Prince George's County the skills and encouragement they need to meet life’s challenges. Last spring, when the pandemic made running in after-school teams impossible, GOTR at Home offered twice-weekly virtual instruction for exercise and creative activities tied to core values: celebrating commonalities and differences, standing up for oneself and others, identifying emotions, and managing stress. Fall planning includes twice-weekly virtual lessons that connect girls with dedicated coaches and teammates from their site (plus some ward-based teams with community coaches) and a fluid program that moves seamlessly between in-person and virtual sessions should schools open and close. Having 75% of participants on scholarship is tough because some girls have no devices, but GOTR is determined to address the challenge. Let's help them.

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

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