Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program (PA-PYD) designed to develop and enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical competencies to successfully navigate life experiences.

Young people in our community are facing a lot! There is so much to learn and navigate: school, friendships, increased responsibilities … all while experiencing rapid changes in their physical growth. Navigating their personal development can be an exciting journey, but learning to balance all of this can present some challenges. That’s why it’s important to provide them with the foundational tools they need that will empower them to create healthy habits and make decisions that will lead them toward long, healthy and fulfilled lives.

We hear a lot about the benefits of physical activity for young people, and the global pandemic has shown us more than ever that moving more and sitting less is extremely important to help our young people maintain physical and mental health. Evidence shows that the more active young people are, the better their long-term health outcomes will be when considering cardiovascular and bone health, muscle fitness and reducing the onset of weight issues like obesity. It is said that young people should ideally participate in 60 minutes of at least moderately intense activity a day, ranging from activities that stress muscles and bones along with some to help promote movement skill, involving balance, coordination and body awareness. There is also evidence that increased physical activity is associated with enhanced mental health, improved cognitive function, aspects of self-esteem, and reduced depressive symptoms in young people.

Social and emotional learning is the foundation of healthy child development. When taught effectively with evidence-based approaches and curriculum, children experience increased positive attitudes towards themselves, school, and peers. They demonstrate greater prosocial behaviors, such as kindness, sharing and empathy. Academic achievements increase, and they experience less depression and anxiety and problem behaviors in school (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning).

With March being both the month dedicated to recognizing the achievements of women throughout history as well as World Obesity Day (March 4, 2021), we want to shed a special light on an organization that is working to ensure young girls in the St. Louis community have the tools they need to navigate a healthy life.

Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program (PA-PYD) designed to develop and enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical competencies to successfully navigate life experiences. The program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The curriculum combines training for a 5k running event with lessons that teach girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions about their physical development and their friendships. It is delivered by trained, trauma-informed volunteer coaches. Girls on the Run is recognized by the National AfterSchool Association as one of the nation’s “most influential programs in health and wellness,” and it’s the only program with this distinction that is available in the St. Louis region! 

With a 20-year history in the St. Louis region, GOTR STL serves 23-counties in Missouri and Illinois, in addition to the City of St. Louis, directly partnering with schools to ensure that all girls have access to their program. In St. Louis City, GOTR STL collaborates with volunteers (teachers, parents/guardians, and community members) and school leaders in the St. Louis Public School District, charter schools, private and independent schools, as well as with community organizations. There are active Girls on the Run teams at approximately 50 elementary and middle schools in the City of St. Louis and are part of the Navigate STL footprint.

The Spring 2021 Girls on the Run season begins at the end of March. There are currently over 70 different teams (both in-person and virtual) across our territory that are recruiting girls and coaches to participate. If you are interested in being connected to a GOTR program, ask your School Navigator to help you locate a program site, or check out our website. It’s not too late for this spring season! The fall season begins in September.

There is a team for every girl at Girls on the Run. Join us in the movement forward, as we build healthy relationships, strengthen our bodies and minds, and make a positive impact in our community. Forward is a pace!