Since 1999, Girls on the Run Vermont has helped young girls of all abilities and backgrounds learn confidence, resilience, and empathy through the sport of running. Through Girls on the Run Vermont, school-aged girls not only learn about running, but also learn how to face life with confidence and courage.

Now in its twenty-seventh year, Girls on the Run Vermont is a youth development program that combines physical activity with lessons on resilience, strength, and empathy.

Designed to support girls in grades 3 through 8 as they approach adolescence, the program has helped tens of thousands of girls at a pivotal moment in their development.

 TWO MILLION PARTICIPANTS IN THE US

Girls on the Run was formed in 1996 in North Carolina by Molly Barker, an educator and triathlete, who knew young girls needed more support as they navigated childhood. What began as a thirteen-member group at one school has since expanded to every state in the US, with more than 2 million girls having gone through the program nationwide.

Girls on the Run came to Vermont in 1999, and today, there are teams at schools in every county—more than 120 teams, to be exact. The program serves girls in two age brackets: grades 3 through 5 (Girls on the Run) and grades 6 through 8 (Heart & Sole). Both teach girls the ins and outs of running while also focusing on building self-confidence, managing emotions, and recognizing their own unique strengths.

Led by a contingent of dedicated volunteer coaches, the aim of the program is not only to improve physical health, but also to support girls’ social, emotional, and behavioral health, as well.

Northern Vermont teams warm up and take off for a final fun run at the 2025 Girls on the Run VT Essex 5K Event. Held on the grounds of the Champlain Valley Expo, the event is sponsored in large part by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont and M&T Bank.

BUILDING A STRONG FOUNDATION

Rachel Desautels, executive director of GOTR Vermont, says Girls on the Run is much more than a running program. At its core, it’s a strong support system that helps girls manage the transition to adulthood.

The ten-week program includes an evidence-based curriculum on topics such as navigating friendships, positive self-talk, and cultivating empathy. Each lesson builds on itself, resulting in a strong foundation that will last them a lifetime. “The curriculum meets girls where they are developmentally,” Rachel says. “It teaches girls to have the tools and resources they need to see things through a new lens and foster self-esteem.”

 A proud GOTRVT coach poses with her medal winners.

Curriculum is tailored for girls in each age group, both at the elementary and middle school levels. It is updated regularly, so that even girls who’ve been through the program before will benefit from doing so again.

The most recent curriculum focuses on girls having a “bold heart,” to encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas and support others to do the same. “The program is really designed to nurture the social and emotional well-being of girls,” Rachel says. “Girls need this program now more than ever.”

 Two Heart & Sole participants, holding hands to support each other along the course.

BUMPS ALONG THE ROAD

It wasn’t always an easy run for GOTR. Like many businesses and organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll. The 2020 GOTR season had just begun when lockdowns were announced, and the season had to be canceled. Since then, momentum has slowly but steadily built over the last six years.

“It’s been a roller coaster,” Rachel says. “But these kids need this program. It’s so important for the girls to have this safe space, and to be with adults who encourage them. Even now, when their world is turned upside down, it’s important for them to be amongst their peers and nurturing adults who help them make their voices heard.”

 A determined GOTRVT participant, running in the pouring rain to the finish line

5K EVENTS WRAP UP THE SEASON

The season culminates with two 5K events, one held in Essex and the other in Manchester. The events are non-competitive (i.e., not timed) and are large community events that attract not only runners and their families, but also neighbors, teachers, and community members.

The Essex 5K, for example, averages more than three thousand attendees. Rachel calls them “a joyful party that celebrates the girls’ accomplishments after a ten-week season of empowering lessons.”

LOOKING TOWARD EXPANSION

Since its founding, GOTR Vermont has worked with more than forty thousand girls throughout the state. And they don’t plan on stopping anytime soon—the goal is to expand to more schools, especially in rural areas.

“There are counties where there’s more room to explore and bring the program to more girls,” Rachel says. Rachel says the success of the program isn’t measured by profits or achievements; rather, it’s measured by those who return to give back. Alumni often become coaches to the next generation of runners, and there are even junior coaching roles for younger alumni. “Here in Vermont, one of the ways we measure success is through seeing our alumni come back as junior coaches or 5K volunteers,” she adds. “If that doesn’t say full circle, I don’t know what does.”

 at the GOTRVT Manchester 5K Event for girls from central and southern Vermont teams, held at Dana L. Thompson Memorial Park in June 2025.

COME ONE, COME ALL

GOTR is an inclusive program, and girls of all abilities and backgrounds are welcome to participate. There is financial assistance available for those who may need it to ensure all girls have access to an inclusive place of belonging and support. And, despite its name, GOTR does encourage boys and men to support the program. Male coaches are welcome, and both boys and men often join the 5K events as running buddies.

Many community members, businesses, and organizations have supported GOTRVT over the years. One of their longtime supporters is BlueCross BlueShield of Vermont. And it’s not just financial support—staff often come out to events and volunteer. “It truly takes a village,” Rachel says. “We’re an organization that is built on its volunteers, sponsors, and donors. We couldn't do it without them.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEE KROHN

Girls on the Run Vermont

188 Allen Brook Lane, Suite 2

Williston, VT

[email protected]

www.gotrvt.org