GIRLS ON THE RUN
A participant and her running buddy cross the finish line in the 2024 5K.
Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a physical-activity based positive youth development program that inspires third through fifth grade girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams.
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Throughout the 10 week program, participants develop important life skills: confidence, competence, caring, connection, character, and contribution. They practice setting goals, working as a team, and making positive decisions.
SAFV supports GOTR as part of our primary prevention programming. Alaska has some of the highest rates of suicide, substance use, domestic violence, and sexual assault in the nation. Connection to supportive adults and social and emotional skills, such as healthy problem solving, can protect youth against harmful outcomes such as dating violence, bullying, and self-destructive behaviors.
The 2023 GOTR teams pose with their coaches before the start of their 5K.
Girls on the Run is a national program, first implemented in Sitka in 2009. Since then, our local program has grown to include 25-40 girls each year. Girls on the Run is coordinated and implemented in Sitka by the Pathways Coalition, and is offered annually as part of Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary School's after-school programs. GOTR of Greater Alaska is made possible by our affiliate organization in Juneau, AWARE, which provides technical assistance and support to GOTR teams across the region.
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Heart & Sole, the middle school version of Girls on the Run, is implemented in Sitka by Youth Advocates of Sitka. Visit sitkayouth.org/youth-afterschool-program to learn more.
Get Involved
Participate: Want to sign your girl up to spend a season with a team exploring valuable lessons such as practicing empathy, inclusion, and acceptance, all while training for a 5K community fun run? Visit gotrgreateralaska.org/programs to learn more. Scholarships are available, no questions asked.
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Coach: Coaching is an incredible way to get involved in the community and help build self-esteem and healthy social and emotional skills in third to fifth grade girls. Adults of all genders are eligible to coach and no running experience is necessary. Visit gotrgreateralaska.org/coach to learn more.
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Donate: We keep our costs for Girls on the Run as low as we can, in part thanks to our partnerships and volunteer coaches. However, half of our participants need scholarships each year. Individuals and organizations can fully sponsor a participant for $100, tax-deductible through SAFV. If you are interested in providing a partial or full scholarship, contact schools@safv.org.
Media
GOTR and Heart & Sole coaches recruit participants in a KCAW Interview.
GOTR coaches and participants prepare for the end of season 5K in a KCAW interview.
Girls on the Run Brand Video
Listen to an interview with Girls on the Run Founder Molly Barker that aired over Raven Radio in Sitka and surrounding communities.
In 2014, the founder of GOTR, Molly Barker, came to Sitka to meet our team and give them words of encouragement before their final 5K fun run. Video produced by Anne Brice, SAFV (2014)
