Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas Launches New Season,
Empowering Young Girls to Build Confidence
Participant registration for the upcoming season opens February 3rd

Wichita, Kansas (January 22, 2025) – Today, Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident, is thrilled to announce the launch of its new season. Beginning the week of March 3rd, the program will welcome girls in 3rd through 8th grade in our community for another exciting season of empowerment, confidence building, and personal growth.

Girls on the Run combines physical activity with engaging lessons that emphasize the importance of self-confidence, healthy relationships, and vital life skills. Over the course of the 8-week program, participants prepare for a celebratory 5K event, all while learning how to set goals, overcome challenges, and make a positive impact in their communities.

"Since 2011, we have been on a mission to help girls in our community activate their limitless potential and boldly pursue their dreams," said Christy Thomas, Executive Director. "Through movement-based activities, group discussions on relevant topics, and coach mentorship, participants gain the confidence to stand up for themselves and others. And with girls’ confidence declining at age 9, they need a program that empowers them to embrace who they are, teaches life skills, and sparks joy.”

As the only physical activity-based, positive youth development program for girls with a research-based curriculum, trained caring coaches, and a commitment to inclusion, Girls on the Run impacts and supports participants in the areas they need it most. Numerous studies and reports have shown the decline in girls' mental health and physical activity levels over the last decade. In February 2023, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that three in five U.S. teen girls felt persistently sad or hopeless in 2021, the highest level reported in at least a decade. Girls’ physical activity levels also decline at age 10 and continue to decrease throughout adolescence and, according to the CDC, only 24% of 6- to 17-year-olds participate in at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity every day.

The deadline to register girls for the Spring season is March 2, and spots are limited. This season, Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas is offering the program at 35 locations. We are committed to ensuring access for all participants, regardless of their financial status. Interested families can learn more about the Spring season at www.girlsontherunks.org.

About Girls on the Run Heart of Kansas
Founded in 2011, Girls on the Run (GOTR) Heart of Kansas offers after-school empowerment programs designed for girls in 3rd to 8th grades. Our nonprofit organization helps girls in our communities to build confidence, increase their level of physical activity, and learn essential life skills. Facilitated by trained volunteer coaches, the research-based curriculum explores core topics relevant to 8- to 13-year-olds, including managing emotions, expressing empathy, and standing up for ourselves and others. The program includes a Community Impact Project and culminates with a 5K Celebration. GOTR Heart of Kansas is one of more than 160 councils a part of Girls on the Run International (GOTRI). Since GOTRI was founded in 1996, this national movement has served more than 2.5 million girls in all 50 states and Canada. Visit www.girlsontherunks.org to learn more.