The mission of GOTR-DC is to improve the lives and future potential of girls by cultivating critical cognitive and emotional attributes and skills; promote girls’ health and well-being by integrating running into their daily lives; and narrow the disparities in both social-emotional and physical well-being among economically disadvantaged girls by removing barriers that limit access to high-quality youth development programs. 

We serve girls in grades 3-8 with a proven, evidence-based curriculum that integrates character development content with running instruction—delivered by trained adult mentors in a small group setting. We focus on this specific age group because research shows that during this period of development, girls are vulnerable to the cumulative effects of peer pressure, pervasive media messages, and issues with body image. However, girls who possess greater confidence and a positive sense of self-worth are shown to succeed academically at higher rates and avoid risky behaviors later in adolescence.