Girls on the Run Testimonials

“My fourth-grade daughter claims ‘Mom, when I get to sixth grade, I'll have to shop at Hollister or no one will like me. I won't be cool.’ I click on their website, and am greeted by an unnaturally buff young man barely wearing his t-shirt or shorts, lounging back and looking ‘cool’. I am slightly relieved that, somehow, these rules don't apply yet in fourth grade, but the reminders come often.”

“In the meantime, Allie can't wait for the next Girls on the Run session, and as a bonus, she has found that she LOVES to run. Our girls face such constant and consistent reminders of how they "should" be -- I love knowing that there's a place where my daughter has a great time while hearing messages of how cool she is just as she is today -- strong, vibrant, smart, fast, kind, and funny.”

- Elizabeth Sadlon, GOTR parent

“I love the cool running games. We made a great poster where all my friends wrote good things about you. My poster had notes like ‘You're fantastic!’ and ‘You're cool’.”

- Allie Izzard, Girl on the Run

Coach Alyssa Bellew, Allie Izzard & Friend

“My coaching experience with Girls on the Run was rewarding and inspiring. I will definitely do it again. What I didn't expect was to learn so much from the girls, who are amazingly insightful, caring, and funny. The perfect end to a great experience, was the 5k run. Toward the end of the run, I held the hands of 2 girls to help encourage them along. As we approached the finish line, they broke free and ran like the wind through the cheering crowd to the final finish. The huge smiles on their faces and hugs all around, told me that this was an accomplishment they'll never forget.

- Alyssa Bellew, GOTR Coach

“My daughter Catie and I were very happy with the Girls on the Run program we took last Fall. When we discovered there wasn't going to be another session, we were quite disappointed. Catie made new friends, learned some wonderful things from her coaches and even got a little exercise which she is loath to do on her own. We would and did recommend this program.”

- Karen Spencer, GOTR parent

"I pretty much walked the whole way on the 5k, because I was talking with my partner. She talked about how she loves animals and she wants to be a vet, and about her dogs and her family. It was great because I want to be the same thing!"

- Catie Spencer, Girl on the Run

“I think Girls on the Run is important because we get exercise and we learn about good things for you and bad things for you”.

- Haley Purvis, Girl on the Run

“I was a coach for the 2007 Fall Season, I felt that at the same time coaching these girls I too learned how to be a leader as well. Also, seeing these girls mature and learn something new each day within the season made it the most rewarding experiences.”

- Venice Europa, GOTR Coach

“Having Juvenile Diabetes it is even more important for my daughter Shianne to keep fit and learn healthy habits. My daughter’s coaches were fabulous; they cared for her as if I were there. They also created an exciting environment that my daughter enjoyed. The discussions on healthy living are kept very interesting yet informative.”

- Kris Pappas, GOTR Parent

Shianne Pappas & Fiona Farrell Fiona Farrell & Dad Tim

“I am an avid supporter of Girls on the Run International and specifically support the local chapter in Pasadena, CA. As a runner myself, I am well aware of the positive effects of exercise, not only for the physical body but also for the mind. My wife and I have been looking for a program for our children that would help model that for our three children and have tried many of popular activities such as AYSO, Gymnastics, and basketball. While each of these have their merits, none have combined the mental, physical, and self-esteem building that GOTR has.”

“GOTR has done an excellent job in modeling positive ladylike behavior in young girls through running. One of our concerns prior to entering the program was that it would focus on weight and looks rather than promoting self worth. We couldn't have been more wrong. GOTR celebrates all girls and has created a desire for health and well-being without create a 'thin' complex in my 3rd grader.”

“The impact on my daughter was so positive that we decided to get more involved as a family. This started with me acting as a Running Buddy for the end of program Pony Tail 5k race. My daughter and I trained together and raced together. The bonding experience was something that I will treasure always. We have made plans to run more races together this year. As a result, my wife, older daughter and younger son have shown more interest in running and healthy living as well.”

“Finally, we decided to get involved in supporting the organization as well. As such, I have taken a seat on the Board of Directors and leadership in the corporate giving area. My wife has also been a very active volunteer and is a key organizer in our main fundraising in event this spring.  All of this is to ensure that more young ladies can have the same opportunity to be in an environment of confident girls who share common values and interests.”

-   Tim Farrell, GOTR Parent

“Girls on the Run really keeps you active. It also lets you learn some things that you should or should not do throughout life. Through the whole Girls on the Run program, I met many other girls and we all had a chance to socialize and become great friends. I felt Girls on the Run was an exceptionally great program to keep motivated in everything I do.”

- Rebecca Chan, Girl on the Run

“Itshows us good choices and healthy ways to grow up. It also provides fitness while talking at the same time. They show fun ways to do the right thing! Girls on the Run is important for any girl growing up to be a strong, respectful woman!”

- Mary Juarez, Girl on the Run

Mary Juarez & Rebecca Chan

“I wanted to take a moment to thank you for so many years of enrichment in my daughter Savannah's life. About 3 years ago, I had been desperately searching for some sort or running group for my then 10 year old daughter to participate in and none were in sight. Somehow I came across GOTR Pasadena and after the first day, Savannah was hooked. As hoped, the organization provided a healthy environment for Savannah to explore and strengthen her passion for running.”

“But the experience didn't stop there: Savannah also developed leadership skills, a wonderful strength of self-confidence, and made many new friends as well. And to top it all off, Savannah now looks forward to Assistant Coaching with GOTR Pasadena this summer!”

“I can only say to any parent even mildly considering enrolling their daughter in GOTR Pasadena: most definitely do it…and watch how your daughter shines! Thank you for this opportunity to give back to an organization that has given us so much.”

- Robin Scilley, GOTR Parent

“Our involvement with Girls on the Run started in Fall of 2005, when both our daughters participated in the GOTR after school program. Our older daughter, Naeli, really enjoyed the program and it uncovered a natural running ability, much to our surprise and hers. The program has been instrumental in helping her to develop self-confidence in both herself and in her running ability. Naeli has also gained a wonderful sense of accomplishment by running in and completing the 5Ks that are the culmination of each program session. Naeli has enjoyed the Girls on the Run program so much that she has attended every session since she started in 2005.”

“With our younger daughter, Kimberly, she had tended to shy away from physical activity due to her mild asthma. However, we have seen her self-confidence increase, not only in what she can do physically, but also in the idea that running as a means of fitness can also help to strengthen her lungs and reduce her asthma symptoms. For both our daughters, the interactive curriculum used in the program and the topics it focuses on have made a huge impact on how they view themselves. It has begun to build a foundation that will help them to navigate the difficult aspects of being a girl growing up in today’s society.”

- Cristi Rodriguez, GOTR Parent