We are a 501(c) 3 nonprofit dedicated to inspiring Stark and Wayne County, Ohio girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using fun, experience-based curricula that creatively integrate running. We currently offer life-changing programs for girls in 3rd through 5th grade (Girls on the Run) and girls in 6th through 8th grade (Heart & Sole, formerly Girls on Track). Girls on the Run is offered in both the spring and fall seasons, while Heart & Sole is offered only in the spring.
The 20-lesson Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole curricula combine training for the Girls on the Run 5k Run/Walk, presented by Second Sole, with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills, and make healthy decisions. All of this is accomplished through an active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff, and the community.
Over the course of 10 weeks, small teams of 8 to 15 girls meet twice a week to develop and improve competence, feel confidence in who they are, develop strength of character, respond to others and oneself with care, create positive connections with peers and adults and make a meaningful contribution to community and society. Each session is led by trained volunteer coaches that guide and mentor the girls.
Running (or walking) is used to inspire and motivate girls, encourage lifelong health and fitness, and build confidence through accomplishment. Important social, psychological, and physical skills and abilities are developed and reinforced throughout the program. At each season's conclusion, the girls and their running buddies complete a noncompetitive running event that gives them a tangible sense of achievement as well as a framework for setting and achieving life goals.
The result—making the seemingly impossible, possible and teaching girls that they can.
Registration for the Fall Season is now closed. Registration for the Spring Season will open on February 1, 2017. Sign up for our registration alert here.
Girls on the Run of Stark County is an independent council of Girls on the Run International, which has a network of 200+ locations across the United States and the District of Columbia.
"One thing I loved about GOTR is that GOTR is a place where you can really be yourself."
—Spring 2013 Girls on the Run Participant
