Giving Matters: Girls on the Run inspires confidence, connection and joy

Girls on the Run envisions a world where every girl knows her potential and has the confidence to pursue her dreams. The after-school youth-development program for students in grades three through eight promotes healthy movement in an affirming environment at a time when many girls are giving up physical pursuits in favor of screens and social media.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, teen girls spend seven to nine hours per day on screens, excessive use of which has been linked to sleep disturbances, anxiety and decreased physical activity.

Marie McDonald, executive director of Girls on the Run Upstate South Carolina, said the program integrates physical activity with opportunities to learn life skills, grow friendships and practice empathy. At the end of the season, each team completes a 5K and a community-impact project together.

“They gain confidence by practicing healthy habits, goal setting, compassion and positive self-talk,” McDonald said. “Our 10-week, evidence-based curriculum builds on itself, learning about yourself and doing things you don’t think you can do.”

Before they know it, girls are ready for the race, a noncompetitive celebration of what they’ve accomplished.

“They can run, walk, roll or push,” McDonald said. “There’s a lot of glitter, bling and tutus. It’s a big dance party. This past fall’s 5K had about 1,300 participants.”

McDonald, who previously worked with survivors of interpersonal violence, said she sees Girls on the Run as preventative work. Forming relationships with teammates and mentors helps girls avoid the isolation and comparison that can lead to risky behaviors.

“Our mission is to inspire girls to be confident and joyful,” McDonald said. “If they have belief in themselves starting at a young age, they can avoid so many problems as they come into adolescence — depression and other mental health issues, bullying, toxic or abusive relationships. They don’t need to seek validation elsewhere.”

GOTR began in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1996 and has been in the Upstate since 2006. It staffs teams at schools and community centers in eight counties. Each year it trains 150-175 volunteer coaches, serving about 1,200 girls with just two full-time employees.

Community Foundation of Greenville awarded Girls on the Run a 2025 capacity building grant, used to partner with contractual services for fund development.

“This additional funding supports access and program quality, especially with such a small staff serving so many girls,” McDonald said. “The capacity building grant allows us to strengthen equity across our sites, stabilizes a small but high-impact organization and supports long-term sustainability.”

Girls on the Run’s signature fundraising event, “Ball for All, a Community Soiree Celebrating Limitless Potential,” will be held 5-8 p.m. April 18 at BridgeWay Station.

For more information, visit gotrupstatesc.org.