Many thanks to these volunteers from CarMax Potomac Mills for helping out in...
Girls on the Run's newest sponsor, Sport & Health, is hosting a Zumbathon on...An Inspiring Talk with Kathrine Switzer
Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to enter and complete the Boston Marathon. She accomplished this feat in 196
7 and given the view towards women in sports at the time, it was an accomplishment not without drama. After an official tried to force her off the course, Ms. Switzer not only finished the marathon but also knew then and there that she was going to change the world for women. And she has spent the last 46 years doing just that.
Sport & Health Zumbathon on June 22 to Benefit GOTR!
Girls on the Run's newest sponsor, Sport & Health, is hosting a Zumbathon on Saturday, June 22 at a variety of their club locations in Northern VA, DC, and Maryland! Participants are encouraged to make a donation at their local club or online at www.crowdrise.com/gotrnova (be sure to say which gym location you're with in the comment box!) and the proceeds will go towards purchasing shoes and financial aid scholarships for GOTR girls in Fall 2013! See below for a list of participating Sport & Health locations and Zumba class times.
Ragnar Relay DC
GOTR NOVA is recruiting 12 runners to participate in Ragnar Relay DC on October 4-5.
The running relay covers 200 miles from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC. Team participants will receive a free entry to the race, a refurbished Garmin Forerunner 405, GOTR swag, and more! For more information, email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
.
Buddy Runner Appreciation Week ♥
This week we are sending thanks to all our Buddy Runners for supporting the girls in their quest to run a 5K. Each day we'll feature stories written by Buddy Runners who trained and ran in the Spring 5K at Bull Run. Get ready for 7 days of inspiration!
Pink Shoelace Project
Want pink shoelaces? Donate $25 to GOTR NOVA and be part of the movement to support girls in Northern Virginia. Wear your pink shoelaces with pride! Send us your photos... to our Facebook page or Tweet or Instagram using #pinkshoelaceproject and #gotrnova. See great Pink Shoelace Pics here!
Girls on the Run 5K, presented by UnitedHealthcare
Congratulations to all runners on a great achievement! Thank you Girls, Buddy Runners, Coaches, Volunteers, Sponsors and Supporters. You are all an inspiration.
GOTR NOVA Original Song written and performed by Forestdale Elementary!
Buddy Runners: Share your story!
Share your Buddy Runner Story with us. We want to hear details about your training, support and 5K experience. Click here for more information.
We're on Instagram!
GOTR NOVA is now on Instagram! Follow us @GOTRNOVA and be sure to post some great pics #pinkshoelaceproject and #gotrnova
Sweet Frog Spirit Day - May 8th, 2013
Thanks to all of you who supported GOTR NOVA's Sweet Frog Spirit Day on Wednesday, May 8th, 2013 at Sweet Frog Alexandria Commons (3219 Duke St.). A portion of all proceeds from the day were donated back to GOTR NOVA. Thanks Sweet Frog!
Team Adelaide
Team Adelaide is a team of volunteers whose role is to gather feedback from coaches about their support needs from GOTR NOVA as well as ensure that the GOTR program is in compliance with program guidelines. Adelaide is meant to bridge the gap between the GOTR teams and the GOTR office.
Non-Profit of the Year Finalist!
GOTR NOVA is thrilled to have been selected as a finalist for the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Awards in the Non-Profit of the Year category! GOTR NOVA is nominated along with The American Red Cross, The Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, The Women's Center, New Hope Housing and others. More information
Congratulations RunningBrooke!
RunningBrooke, sponsor of GOTR NOVA raised an amazing $36,823 in one day! The community came out in force to support Brooke on April 17th for Alexandria's Spring2ACTion 24hrs of giving. 5% of donations went to The Boston Foundation. Many thanks to all of you who gave back.
Secret® Essay Competition
Secret® would like to know "How Girls on the Run® and the Mean Stinks campaign help you Gang Up For Good and put an end to girl to girl bullying?" Enter now for the chance to win great prizes. Submissions due May 7, 2013.
Become a GOTR NOVA★Star!
Becoming a GOTR NOVA★Star is easy and your funds will help more girls in Northern Virginia participate in our life-changing program. You can run or walk, donate for your birthday or set a personal challenge. Be part of something special... Get started
Design Your Own Water Bottle!
Design your own custom GOTR water bottle and 20% goes to GOTR NOVA - a great gift idea! Start you design here.
GOTR NOVA will be at the NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo!
NBC4 is holding its 20th Anniversary Health & Fitness Expo on March 16-17, 2013 and GOTR NOVA will be there! The Expo will feature hundreds of exhibitors and includes free health screenings, fun interactive activities, and information on products and services that relate to healthy living. There will also be an ongoing "Get Healthy 4 Life" walk around the indoor walking track.
Community Foundation for Northern VA Grant
Many thanks to the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, who just awarded a grant to GOTR NOVA to fund an outreach initiative into Title 1 schools. This will allow GOTR NOVA to serve more girls from low-income communities. Thank you, Community Foundation for Northern VA!
'Yoga for Good' benefitting GOTR NOVA
Thanks to Sun and Moon Yoga Studio for holding a 'Yoga for Good' class to benefit Girls on the Run. Both Arlington and Fairfax studios held a one-hour class on Sat, March 23rd to raise money through donations for GOTR NOVA.
RunningBrooke Awards $10,000 to GOTR NOVA
Our friend and partner, Brooke Curran of the RunningBrooke Fund, is changing lives through running. Over the last few years, Brooke and Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia have worked together to help improve the health and well-being of the girls of Alexandria.
Become a Front Runner Sponsor
For more information on this unique opportunity to become a community champion and directly impact a specific school community, click here.
GreatNonProfits 2012 Top-Rated List
GOTR NOVA has qualified for the GreatNonProfits 2012 Top-Rated List! This is a distinction given to less than 1% of eligible nonprofits and is therefore great testament to the hard work of our organization. Please visit our GreatNonProfit page to leave a review today.
Fall 5K 2012 Details
Congratulations to all of our GOTR Fall 5K finishers who ran on Sunday November 18, 2012 at Jiffy Lube Live. Please see event results and pictures on our Fall 5K Page:
Front Runner Schools sponsored by UnitedHealthcare
UnitedHealthcare is not only Girls on the Run NOVA's presenting sponsor for both 5K events this year, but also our first ever Front Runner Sponsor. UnitedHealthcare has fully funded and been the proud sponsor of 10 schools in Northern Virginia in 2012.
Washington Wizards Discount Tickets!
Enjoy special discounted tickets for the Washington Wizards NBA season at Verizon Center - $3 from the sale of every ticket will benefit GOTR NOVA. Go to www.verizon.com/wiz/gotrnova and use Promo Code: gotrnova
For groups of 10+, information on Fan Experiences at games, & tickets to shows at Verizon Center, click here
Exclusive Athleta Shopping Event
Thanks to Athleta and everyone who shopped to benefit GOTR NOVA on Thursday, November 29th 2012 in celebration of the power of giving. Athleta donated 10% of purchases made at Reston Town Center and Tysons Corner stores to GOTR NOVA, and Visa matched that donation.
VIP Experience!
Thank you to all of our generous donors who entered to win our VIP Experience at the GOTR NOVA Fall 5K presented by UnitedHealthcare!
Sports Authority Appreciation Weekend!
Thanks to Sports Authority for offering all GOTR NOVA participants special savings off 20% off on Nov 10-11 during their GOTR NOVA Appraciation Weekend!
Wasabi supports GOTR NOVA
Wasabi, fabulous Modern Japanese Cuisine and Fall sponsor, offered 'GOTR Week' to all GOTR participants October 14-20 at their Tysons Corner location. 15% of the cost of all meals was donated to the GOTR NOVA Program!
Potomac River Running loves our Coaches!
Thank you to Potomac River Running for giving a $10 gift certificate to each and every one of our nearly 600 Volunteer Coaches! Our Coaches are such an important part of GOTR, and incredible community support like this is greatly apprecatied.
Maya Angelou and Molly Barker Honored
Maya Angelou and other North Carolina women were honored on September 29th, 2012 for their work to improve the lives and health of women during a benefit for the Maya Angelou Center for Women's Health & Wellness at Forsyth Medical Center. The benefit was the final event of a three-day health summit.
Ragnar Relay Superstars Raise Over $7,600
On September 21-22, 2012, twelve amazing women and men took part in the Ragnar Relay Series to raise funds for GOTR NOVA. GOTR NOVA is a charity partner of Ragnar Relay, a 12-person running relay that covers 200 miles from Cumberland, MD to Washington, DC. The 12 members of the GOTR NOVA team truly "ran for the girls" and raised over $7,600 (and counting!) to help spread GOTR's programming to more schools in Northern VA.
First Lady Michelle Obama Loves GOTR NOVA!
Karyn Moran, Director of Advocacy and Outreach for GOTR NOVA had the honor of presenting First Lady Michelle Obama with a Girls on the Run T-Shirt at a recent speech by the First Lady in Prince William County, Virginia. Through its strong partnership with The White House Council on Women and Girls, GOTR NOVA supports the First Lady's 'Let's Move' initiative.
Summer Health Tips from UnitedHealthcare
Get some great health tips thanks to our partner, UnitedHealthcare. Wishing you all safe, happy, healthy Summer!
GOTR NOVA featured on ABC 7 WJLA-TV
Anchor Leon Harris honors Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia and Lees Corner Elementary School Coach, Lori Walowsky. The Harris' Heroes segment aired on May 23, 2012. Lori and her team were interviewed at the GOTR Spring 5K, presented by UnitedHealthcare which took place on Sunday, May 20, 2012. Over 6,600 girls, Coaches and Buddy Runners ran at George Mason University after training for 10 weeks for the event. Click here to watch.
Research Verifies Significant Positive Effects of GOTR
GOTR NOVA announced the results of an independent research study examining the participation effects of the Girls on the Run program.
Let's Move the Needle on Childhood Obesity - Research Verifies Significant Positive Effect of GOTR
Catherine Keightley, Executive Director of GOTR NOVA and Dr. Cindy Waddell of George Mason University, spoke at the Let's Move the Needle on Childhod Obesity Conference on Thursday, April 19, 2012. Dr. Waddell presented research findings on the efficacy of Girls on the Run®. The research was conducted with almost 3,000 girls in Northern Virginia during the Spring 2011 season by the George Mason University faculty, and verified the significant positive effects of the program. Click here for details on the research and click here to read the Press Release. Many thanks to INOVA Health System and the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia for convening community leaders and stakeholders to help shine a light on this issue.
Athleta Coach Recognition Award
Girls on the Run Coaches are the heart and soul of our organization. In an effort to honor these remarkable women and men, Athleta will begin selecting one coach each month to receive a $75 Athleta gift card. Coaches - please complete this entry form and share what inspires you to be a GOTR Coach.
United Healthcare and GOTR NOVA Team Up to Promote Girls' Health and Well-being
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia is thrilled to once again announce its partnership with UnitedHealthcare for 2012. UnitedHeathcare will serve as presenting sponsor for the two GOTR NOVA 5K races during the Spring and Fall 2012 Seasons. The Spring 5K will be held on May 20, 2012 at George Mason University. UnitedHealthcare will also be the Front Runner sponsor of 10 schools in Fairfax County this year. As a Front Runner sponsor, UnitedHealthcare will financially support the girls at 10 schools selected in Fairfax County.
"UnitedHealthcare shares Girls on the Run's commitment to help build girls' self-esteem, promote greater self-awareness, instill a sense of achievement, and adopt an active and healthier lifestyle," said Sandra B. Nichols, M.D., chief medical officer of the Northeast Region, UnitedHealthcare Clinical Services.
"We're grateful to UnitedHealthcare for recognizing the power of our program as we actively promote healthy lifestyles. Thanks to their generous support, girls at 10 additional schools in Northern Virginia will now be able to participate in GOTR, and the nearly 4,000 girls and their families will benefit from UnitedHealthcare's support of our seasonal 5K races," said Catherine Keightley, Executive Director of Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia.
To read the full press release, please click here.
To read the full press release in Spanish, please click here.
'All Dolled Up' Fundraiser at American Girl
Thank you so much to all who attended GOTR NOVA's All Dolled Up fundraising event at American Girl! It was wonderful to see so many supporters of GOTR NOVA at American Girl celebrating health, confidence, and girl power!
More than 250 guests attended our event on Wednesday, February 29 at the American Girl store in Tysons Corner Center, raising nearly $10,000 for GOTR programming! American Girl provided delicious food and drinks and fun crafts for the kids to enjoy. Many guests tuned in to hear remarks by GOTR NOVA Executive Director Catherine Keightley and Jummy Olabanji, a reporter from WJLA-7 news, and a current coach and program participant Kathy and Emma LaViolette gave touching accounts of their experiences with GOTR NOVA. Guests placed bids on our exciting silent auction, tried their chances at our raffle, and had a great time! We were thrilled to celebrate GOTR NOVA and raise much needed funds as we prepare to kick off our Spring 2012 season.
Special thanks to our event sponsors: American Girl, Wasabi, Medical Society of Northern VA, Art by Richard Russo, Danielle Cameron, Loco-Motives, McGee Landscaping and Hardscaping, mysterykids.com, Our-Kids, and Stroller Strides. Click here to see more photos!
Bravo RunningBrooke!
Once again, Brooke Curran shows her support for GOTR NOVA with a $8,750 donation. Brooke runs marathons all over the world to raise money for Alexandria based charities. "I love what Girls on the Run is doing and who they are reaching. Not only the girls, but families. Mom's and Dad's are seeing what their daughter is doing. They get involved, and they start running too. GOTR impacts more than the girl - it impacts the family and the community as well." --Brooke Curran, RunningBrooke Fund
Team Spirit Video - Developing the Whole Girl: One Team's Journey
Follow a team through a season of Girls on the Run® and see first hand how our Program inspires girls and their volunteer coaches. Many thanks to videographer, Mike Gillette.
RunningBrooke is going the distance for good.
Brooke Curran featured in this Washington Post (1/26/2012) article is going the distance for good. Read about her passion for marathons which has turned into a global campaign for charities. She has pledged to run at least one marathon a month in all 50 states, on every continent, and all five marathon majors. Each race raises money for five Alexandria charities, including Girls on the Run of NOVA.
Sangster Elementary joins the movement
The strong commitment to healthy living, physical activity, and giving back GOTR inspires, extends both on and off the track. The theme for one of Sangster Elementary School's runners birthday celebration included a fun-run, homemade medals, and donations in lieu of gifts. Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia is featured in the 12/7/2011 edition of the Springfield Connection.
Running Toward a Better Future
"Over 3,000 'Girls on the Run' packed Jiffy Lube Live Sunday for a 5K race to celebrate the end of the program's fall season." Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia is featured in the 11/21/2011 edition of the Centreville Patch.
Manassas fifth-graders to run Sunday at Jiffy Lube Live
"The 22 girls in the club that emphasizes living fit and healthy lives through selfawareness, goal setting and positive reinforcement, will join roughly 200 other clubs from across Northern Virginia." Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia is featured on insidenova.com article 11/20/2011.
3400 Girls Join Forces to Help End Hunger in Northern Virginia
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia will host a food drive at the Fall 5K on November 20, 2011. Almost 10,000 people are expected to attend and donate canned foods to "Girls on the Run Gives Back" to benefit the Action in Community Service (ACTS) Food Pantry in Dumfries, VA. Read the 'Market Watch.com' article:
Girls on the Run® creator Molly Barker featured as a 'Breakthrough Woman' on CNN's Headline News
CNN's Morning Express with Robin Meade "Breakthrough Women" nominated Molly Barker in the September 28, 2011 spot.
Team of Arlington Dads Run 199 Miles and Raise over $2,000 for GOTR NOVA.
A team of six Arlington Dads competed in the 199-mile Ragnar Napa Valley Race from San Fransisco to Calistoga, CA., each running distances of 26 to 38 miles and finishing first in their division. They raised over $2,000 to provide financial assistance for girls-on-the-run of Northern Virginia.
Girls on the Run NOVA awarded the 2011 Healthy Lifestyle MVP Award by INOVA Health System & Washington Mystics.
GOTR NOVA was recognized for dedication to promoting healthy lifestyles during half time at the Verizon Center on August 12th when the Washington Mystics played the New York Liberty. INOVA Health System and the Washington Mystics are committed to developing healthy communities and are proud to partner with GOTR NOVA in that effort. Catherine Keightley, Executive Director of GOTR NOVA, accepted the award on behalf of the organization.
Girls on the Run featured on NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams
NBC's Maria Schiavocampo reports on the NBC Nightly News series "Making a Difference" (June 28, 2011)
New Balance GOTR 5K Video
The New Balance GOTR 5K, presented by UnitedHealthcare at George Mason University on May 15, 2011.
5K in Iraq Shadows Local 5K
Bryan Holzemer, MAJ USAF ran the Girls on the Run 5K which took place in Iraq on the same day as the New Balance GOTR 5K, presented by UnitedHealthcare in Northern Virginia. Over 300 runners took part to support GOTR NOVA from afar.
WUSA9 story - Girls on the Run 5K: As Described by Leesburg 4th Grader, Logan Quinn
Logan recounts her 5K experience with Girls on the Run, "When the race started, it made me want to jump up and down like crazy!"
'Running on Girl Power' - Fairfax Connection article featuring the New Balance GOTR 5K, presented by UnitedHealthcare
Celebrity Chef Spike Mendelsohn ran alongside 7,500 other participants and 2,600 spectators, as well as local politicians and dignitaries. "These amazing girls are the future powerhouses of our nation." said Mendelsohn, who works closely with First Lady Michelle Obama and the Let's Move healthy eating initiative in schools. "We need to start teaching healthy eating and lifestyle choices at a young age and this organization perfectly compliments that."
Kids Get Help with Battling the Bulge - Northern Virginia Magazine
Girls on the Run of NOVA partners, INOVA Health System and The Washington Mystics are fighting chilhood obesity in Northern VIrginia. On April 29th, 2011 INOVA Healthcare gathered experts from a number of community governments, businesses, non-profits, schools, family and health services to see if Virginia could find an answer to this growing problem. Catherine Keightley, Executive Director represented GOTR NOVA at the conference.
UnitedHealthcare and Girls on the Run NOVA Team Up to Promote Health and Well-Being Among Young Girls
UnitedHealthcare will be the presenting sponsor of two 5K runs this year hosted by Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia. "Girls on the Run's programs and services exemplify the type of work that is necessary to help fight childhood obesity and promote the overall health and well-being of young girls and their families," -- Jim Cronin, Mid-Atlantic region CEO, UnitedHealthcare Employer & Individual.
GOTR NOVA Parent writes about her 5K experience - allthingshealing.com article
Amy M. Bailey's daughter has participated in the GOTR NOVA Program since the 3rd grade - she is now in the 5th grade. "Thanks so much for a wonderful program. I teach leadership classes for girls and the more programs that are available to encourage, support and guide girls to be healthy, confident, and resilient as they head towards becoming young women, the better."
GOTR NOVA Member Spotlight featured in Nonprofit Agenda Vol 31. Issue 6
Girls on the Run NOVA was featured in this Issue from the Center for Nonprofit Advancement.
International Sports Programming Initiative for Tajikistan
A group of 8 youth sports coaches from Tajikistan spent the morning observing the Thomas Jefferson GOTR Team in action Thursday in Falls Church. After practice, the GOTR NOVA staff hosted an informational breakfast and Q&A session about the Girls on the Run mission and curriculum. Although the group did not speak English, they commented through their interpreter about the energy and self-confidence the girls displayed during practice.
The Tajik coaches are spending three weeks in the U.S. in March as part of the International Sports Programming Initiative for Tajikistan (ISPIT), which is sponsored by American Councils for International Education. ISPIT is focusing on coaching skills, and learning about using sports as a tool for building youth’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. One of the important goals of the program is for participants to learn about how sports organizations work in the U.S., and particularly how these organizations serve under-resourced communities.
RunningBrooke Fund Donation
Thanks to Brooke and her RunningBrooke fund of 'ACT for Alexandria' for her generous donation to GOTR NOVA which will be used to provide financial assistance for girls in Alexandria who participate in the program (March 2011). Brooke has committed to running a marathon on every continent, in each of the 50 states, and the five marathon majors (Berlin, Boston, Chicago, London and New York), a marathon a month, to raise awareness and to raise money for children and families of Alexandria/Arlington. GOTR NOVA is one of her 2011 RunningBrooke fund beneficiaries. Follow her in her marathon endeavor at www.runningbrooke.c
Advocacy Day 2011.
Girls on the Run of NOVA traveled to the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond with coaches and girls from the Jefferson Houston Team and Principal Kimberly Graves, on January 25th to personally meet the entire Northern Virginia Delegation and raise awareness of Girls on the Run. GOTR NOVA was recognized for its work serving girls in Northern Virginia on both the House and Senate floors, before 140 delegates, senators and staff.
Reindeer Romp 5K 2010 Video.
Reindeer Romp Wrap Up by 5th Grader.
Article written by a 5th grade girl at Sycolin Creek in Loudoun County
via WUSA9.com
Excerpt from the blog:
"I, along with a few of my White House colleagues, participated in this truly inspiring event. It was moving to see so many young girls excited to challenge themselves and encourage their friends to finish the race."
- Jenny Kaplan, Deputy Director of the White House Council on Women and Girls
via whitehouse.gov
Alexandria Gazzette Cover Feature
Reindeer Romp 2010 featured in December's Alexandria Gazette
via Alexandria Gazette
Reston Connection Cover Feature
Reindeer Romp 2010 featured on the cover of December's Reston Connection
via Reston Connection
A Call to Action for GOTR Volunteers
Presented by GOTR corporate sponsor, New Balance. Watch the video and be inspired ...
Girls on the Run and Inova Health System
A combined commitment for healthy living.
2010 RunningBrooke Beneficiary
GOTR NOVA was named the 2010 RunningBrooke Beneficiary.
via RunningBrooke
United We Serve...President Obama's initiative to engage volunteers.
Girls on the Run NOVA was featured on "United We Serve" - Corporation for National Community & Service website.
via Serve.gov
The New Balance Girls on the Run 5K Video.
Despite the Rain
Despite yesterday's rain, more than 3,000 girls from Northern Virginia participated in the New Balance Girls on the Run 5K at George Mason University. Each girl was accompanied by an adult “buddy runner.â€
via AlexandriaNews.org
Extra-Curricular Programs Help Close the Achievement Gap
Before and after-school programs also provide an outstanding opportunity to extend learning, and we take full advantage of this additional time at Daniels Run. Many of our female students participate in our GEMS rogram, which stands for Girls Excelling in Math and Science. These students have had the opportunity to meet and interact with professional biochemists, engineers, mathematicians, and others, and to learn more about these careers. Many of our young ladies love being part of the Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia program, where they learn about and practice running for fun and fitness.
via City of Fairfax Schools May 2010 Newsletter
Girls on the Run of NOVA featured on Cox Local Edition, airing on CNN Headline News.
10 Years and Running
Girls on the Run of NOVA receives a Commending Resolution from the Commonwealth of Virginia, passed by the General Assembly, in recognition of ten years of service to girls in Northern Virginia.
via Great Falls Connection
Running To Discover Life's Lessons
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia celebrates its 10th anniversary.
via The Burke Connection
Virginia Report Inspiring Girls Through Running from Comcast Channel 28 on Vimeo.
Virginia General Assembly Joint Resolution Commending
Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia
Enjoy Special GOTR Discounts for Mystics, Wizards & More!
Monumental Sports is offering all GOTR NOVA participants special discounted tickets for the Washington Wizards and Mystics, and other events and shows
Advocacy Day
The Girls on the Run of NOVA team traveled to the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond on February 24, 2010 to personally meet the entire Northern Virginia Delegation (37 members), and raise awareness of Girls on the Run. GOTR NOVA was recognized for its work serving girls in Northern Virginia on both the House and Senate floors, before 140 delegates, senators and staff.
2009 Reindeer Romp
6,500 runners participate in the Reindeer Romp 5K at Reston Town Center, Reston Virginia, December 5, 2009