CHIF recipient Girls on the Run strengthens mind and body, one step at a time

National surveys in recent years have indicated by the age of 9, many girls begin to see their confidence wane. At the same time, their physical activity levels drop and incidents of bullying rise. Girls on the Run, a nonprofit youth development program, is working to reverse that trend — one girl, one practice and one run at a time.

Girls on the Run serves more than half a dozen counties across southwest and central Idaho, providing after-school programming that blends physical activity with curriculum-based lessons focused on emotional health and social skills. From the Treasure Valley to Wood River, the Magic Valley and more rural areas like Grangeville, the program aims to reach girls who often face barriers to sport and movement.

Breaking barriers through financial assistance

Approximately 48% of the girls enrolled in the program through 2024 have received financial aid, thanks in large part to a St. Luke's Community Health Improvement Fund grant. The fund supports GOTR’s scholarship program and offsets costs that might otherwise keep girls from participating.

“This funding is crucial,” said Allison Evaro, Girls on the Run Treasure Valley executive director. “It helps us break down barriers and get girls involved who might not otherwise have access to extracurricular activities.”

The CHIF grant has also helped certify volunteer coaches in CPR, ensuring a safe environment during practices held immediately after school, often at the school itself. This eliminates the need for additional transportation and makes it easier for families to participate.

Running toward confidence and community

Unlike many sports programs that emphasize competition, Girls on the Run promotes progress at “your happy pace.” The goal is not to be the fastest but to develop lifelong skills in confidence, resilience and emotional well-being.

“Girls don’t have to be runners to join,” Evaro said. “What matters most are the skills they gain along the way.”

Along with getting girls out and moving, improving physical health, GOTR also integrates mental health programming to instill confidence and self-acceptance.

The program is evidence-based, using a curriculum called Hello, Mountain Mover to help girls identify and manage anxiety, respond to bullying and build positive relationships. Every practice integrates running or other movement-based games with intentional discussion topics, building a bridge between physical activity and emotional strength.

The need for programs like GOTR is urgent. Research shows that only 36% of girls aged 6 to 11 meet healthy physical activity guidelines. Girls are less active than boys, particularly girls of color and those from lower-income backgrounds. And by middle school, girls are 2-3 times more likely to drop out of sports.

An independent study of Girls on the Run programs found measurable gains in both physical and mental health among participants. Girls improved their running endurance, engaged in activity more frequently and developed stronger body awareness and emotional regulation.

Getting involved

Volunteers are at the heart of Girls on the Run, with opportunities are open to everyone, no running required.

Volunteer coaches complete online and in-person training, covering child protection and program expectations, and then commit to two practices a week over eight weeks. Many volunteers are teachers, administrators or local college students earning education credit through partnerships with schools, like Boise State University. Getting involved in the organization is a way for volunteers to give back to their community and play a positive role in the lives of Idaho girls.

At the end of every season, girls who participated in the program are invited to run a 5K organized by GOTR, helping them celebrate their success and accomplishment. The GOTR Southern Idaho Chapter, covering the Magic and Wood River valleys, hosts the Color Me Fearless 5K each summer. Volunteers can join as runners, who cheer the girls on along the course, or as support staff.

Girls on the Run is more than a running program — it’s a movement to inspire confidence, build resilience and foster healthy habits for life. As the program expands to new communities across Idaho, it continues to prove that girls truly are stronger when they run together.

If you’re interested in getting involved as a volunteer coach, fall applications are open and available here (Treasure Valley/Western Idaho) and here (Southern Idaho). If you'd like to find a program near you or start a team at your child's school, find information here (Treasure Valley/Western Idaho) and here (Southern Idaho).