Girls on the Run^® is a life-changing, character development program for girls in 3rd through 8th grade.  Our mission is to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

.  We use the power of running to provide girls with the tools to:

•     Celebrate their bodies
•     Honor their voices
•     Recognize their gifts, and
•     Activate their personal power

The Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run is an affiliate council of Girls on the Run International, founded in 1996, by Molly Barker, a visionary, Ironman triathlete. Today, there are over 186 locations across the U.S. & Canada, with new locations added each year.  Girls on the Run combines training for a 5k (3.1 miles) event with healthy living education. We use exercise, positive reinforcement, and encouraging role models to help girls discover the confidence they need in those critical pre-teen years and beyond. Through interactive activities such as running, playing games and discussing important issues, participants learn how to celebrate being their unique and real selves. Our hope is that every girl believes and can say, “I belong just the way I am.”

We are now accepting spring 2012 girls on the run coach applications!

click here to learn more

sites have been selected to host girls on the run in the spring of 2012

See them here!  Contact beth@girlsontherunkazoo.org for more information.

shoe fittings

As a part of her participation in Girls on the Run in Greater Kalamazoo, every participant receives a brand new pair of running shoes.  Each girl must attend one of our available shoe fittings to be properly sized before the start of the program.  Learn more here!

shop girls on the run

Click here to shop Girls on the Run apparel and merchandise.