Each year, Girls on the Run Minnesota expands our reach across the state – bringing confidence and connection to even more girls. We’re thrilled to share an introduction to just a few of our newest Greater Minnesota sites!
Lester Park Elementary
When Coach Robyn Madole's daughter asked to start a Girls on the Run team at Lester Park Elementary in Duluth, they had no idea they would receive such a warm response.
“The community here is incredible. Teachers, paras, and support staff helped promote the program in gym class, homerooms, and newsletters,” said Coach Robyn. “They even supported the girls during our practice 5k by cheering, passing out water, and taking photos.”
With two teams and 37 total participants, Lester Park had a fantastic first year of GOTR. A major highlight was their community impact project, which supported a local animal shelter. The teams made blankets and toys for the pets, along with posters to advertise adoption opportunities.
“Whether we practiced in the gym or outside in the rain, snow, or heat, the girls had a fantastic time,” said Coach Robyn.
We’re so inspired by Lester Park’s amazing first season!
Participants from Lester Park completing their community impact project.
Blue Earth Elementary
Coach Jennifer Kafka used her “I Can! Power” to start a site at Blue Earth Elementary this spring.
As an educator and cross country coach, Coach Jennifer loves to help young people discover the joy of being active, setting goals, and challenging themselves. After hearing about Girls on the Run from a friend, she took the leap to start a brand new team at her own school.
Of course, she had hoped there would be interest — but she was amazed by the response. 20 participants signed up for the first season, quickly filling up their team!
Coach Jennifer got a special glimpse at how participants carried the GOTR excitement with them throughout the school day.
“They proudly wore their Girls on the Run t-shirts to school and couldn't wait to share what they were learning and doing with their friends,” said Coach Jennifer. “Hearing how excited they were, seeing their confidence grow, and knowing they were sharing those experiences with others made every minute spent planning, coaching, and organizing worth it.”
We can’t wait to see what’s to come for the amazing Blue Earth team!
Blue Earth participants at the Rochester 5K with their running buddies.
Roosevelt Elementary
A social worker at Roosevelt Elementary, Coach Cheryl Bosch was determined to bring Girls on the Run to Wilmar.
“Our administration was very supportive,” Coach Cheryl said. “Within just a few days, we had 15 girls sign up.”
As the season progressed, Coach Cheryl noticed a significant positive change in the participants. “The girls became supportive of each other, believed in themselves, and developed positive connections,” she said.
Participants demonstrated incredible strength through hard moments. One girl needed to have emergency surgery, and even though she was unable to run, she still attended the 5K, encouraged her teammates, and walked across the finish line. “She was an inspiration to us all,” said Coach Cheryl.
A parent noted how much “the program helped and made a difference” during a difficult time for another participant’s family.
Thank you to Roosevelt Elementary for embodying the GOTR values, making sure every girl feels seen, heard, and valued!
Participants from Roosevelt Elementary completing their community impact project.
Want to bring GOTR to your own community? Now is the perfect time! Inspire the next generation to be joyful, healthy, and confident by starting a team at your school.