Girls On The Run Registration Extended

Girls on the Run (GOTR) is coming this fall to four area schools and Fayetteville’s local YMCA. The international non-profit organization was birthed by Molly Barker, a Charlotte, NC, resident. Out of her own struggle to find self-worth and not be defined by others, Molly initiated an educational program for girls, ages 8 to 12, now turned international movement.

We have extended out registration deadline to Sep 9. However, there are limited slots available. The locations we will be at this fall are as follows: Honeycutt Elementary: Mon & Wed 3:20pm - 4:45pm Stoney Point Elementary: Mon & Wed 2:45pm - 4:00pm VanStory Hills Elementary: Tue & Thu 2:45pm-4:00pm Fayetteville YMCA: Tue & Thu 5:30pm - 6:30pm Registration can be completed at Fayetteville YMCA or Hope Mills YMCA (YMCA of the Sandhills) Please feel free to call me if this generates questions!

GOTR is a volunteer led, experiential learning program. It combines the training for a 5K event with positive esteem building lessons and workouts. Girls are uplifted and empowered in all areas of their lives as they learn to run 3.1 miles.

As expressed on their website, GOTR exists to help girls “climb out of the girl box”. Its objective is preventative in nature: helping girls learn to make good choices for a lifetime of healthy living and providing tools for avoiding many of the pitfalls during adolescent years. “We envision a world where every girl knows and activates her limitless potential and is free to boldly pursue her dreams,” states the vision of GOTR. With programs being offered in over 173 cities throughout North America, and growing every year, their vision is quickly turning to reality.

GOTR is traditionally an after-school program. However, to accommodate area homeschooled and private schooled girls, the YMCA will be opening a program at their campus. Through the 10-week period (2 days a week), girls will participate in running, interactive discussions and group exercises, all culminating in a 5K event (Pinehurst Turkey Trot). Most importantly, girls will learn to celebrate being a girl.

Adult women, ages 18 and older volunteers are needed to make Fayetteville’s GOTR succeed. This is a great opportunity to positively impact girls' lives during a crucial time in their development before the rigors of the teen years set in. No running or athletic experience is necessary. All the curriculum, materials and training are provided. 

For more information about Girls on the Run coming to Fayetteville, you can go to ymcaofthesandhills.org for local updates. Also, you can contact the GOTR Director, Lora Lewis, at loral.ymcanc@gmail.com or Ann Ice at anni.ymcanc@gmail.com.

Information for the YMCA Program:

Program Start Date: Week of September 12

Times: After School (TBD for each location)

5K Race: Turkey Trot, Pinehurst (Nov. 19^th)

Program Fee: YMCA Members: $79.00; Program Participants: $89.00

Fee includes;
10 weeks of curriculum based lessons

• Trained Coaches
• Lesson Materials
• Program T-shirt
• 5K Registration
• End of season celebration
• water bottle

Registration Dates: Aug. 15-Sep. 5 (limited spaces available) at either Fayetteville or Hope Mills YMCA locations