Exciting news for the GOTR community! A newly released Girls on the Run study confirms what so many of us have seen firsthand: the lasting impact of Girls on the Run. Lasting Impact: The Girls on the Run Alums Study is a landmark, third-party research effort that strengthens evidence of long-term impact and helps tell a clear story about how GOTR supports girls beyond a single season. 

The study focused on eighth graders who participated in Girls on the Run as fourth graders in 2019. From 807 surveys and 52 in-depth interviews, this initial wave of research showcases that life skills learned in elementary school can become tools girls rely on during adolescence.

Key findings from the study reveal that Girls on the Run has a lasting and meaningful impact:

• Many alums described feeling more confident, more positive, and more capable because of GOTR
• 95% of alums reported that GOTR influenced their ability to appreciate diversity
• GOTR helped girls understand that physical activity is important for their mental and physical well-being
• 90% of alums interviewed said GOTR positively influenced how they see themselves
• When comparing GOTR to other sports or physical activities, girls often described it as more fun, more encouraging, and more focused on belonging, life skills, and teamwork
• 100% of alums interviewed had vivid, positive memories of their coaches

Across the country, Girls on the Run councils see these outcomes reflected in their communities. Girls on the Run Minnesota has served more than 35,000 girls since 2012, and these findings mirror what coaches and families witness every season: girls growing into confident, connected adolescents equipped with tools for life.

Girls today face increasing pressure related to self-confidence, mental health, and social connection, with national data showing rising levels of anxiety and isolation among adolescents. The Alums Study underscores the importance of early, evidence-based programs that support whole-girl development and long-term well-being.

One alum shared, “Girls on the Run affected my life greatly. It taught me self-confidence, accepting others who are different from me, helped me make new friends, and inspired me to chase my dreams!” 

What’s next? Girls on the Run will follow up with study participants in ninth grade, twelfth grade, and one year after high school to better understand the enduring effects of GOTR. As we look ahead, this research reinforces the importance of expanding access to Girls on the Run so more girls can build confidence and gain skills that last.

To learn more about the Alums Study and explore the full findings, visit: https://www.girlsontherun.org/alums-study/.