For Eleanor and her mom, Lucy, Girls on the Run became much more than an after-school activity. It became an opportunity to grow, connect, and create memories together.

Eleanor first heard about Girls on the Run from her older sister, who had participated in the program years earlier and loved it. With encouragement from her sister and the excitement of joining alongside a friend, Eleanor decided to give it a try.

That decision led to countless fun moments and valuable lessons. One of Eleanor’s favorite lessons was “Stop, Think, Repeat, Respond Review,” where participants raced while practicing important skills they had learned.

When asked to describe Girls on the Run in just three words, Eleanor didn’t hesitate: “fun, caring, and athletic.”

Having her mom as one of the coaches made the experience even more special.

“It’s fun because I feel more involved,” Eleanor shared.

Some of her favorite memories happened in the excitement leading up to the end-of-season 5K. One moment that stands out is getting ready together and putting glitter on everyone’s faces before the big event.

Lucy’s Girls on the Run journey began with a phone call from a neighbor. Eleanor’s team needed additional coaches in order for the season to continue, and Lucy was asked if she would consider stepping in. Having watched her older daughter participate and thrive in the program, Lucy knew she wanted Eleanor to have that same opportunity. She was also inspired by her own running journey after training for a 5K during the pandemic and saw coaching as a meaningful way to stay active while giving back.

Coaching alongside Eleanor turned out to be a rewarding experience.

“It’s been great spending time with her and the other girls on her team,” Lucy said. “It’s been a fun way to connect on a project together.”

She especially appreciated seeing Eleanor grow from a nervous third grader trying something new into a confident fifth grader helping younger participants feel included and supported.

“As both a coach and a parent, I’ve loved seeing her jump into the program, push through challenges, and then become someone who encourages others,” Lucy shared.

Looking ahead, Lucy hopes Eleanor carries the lessons of Girls on the Run with her for years to come: a love of movement, confidence in her abilities, and the understanding that hard work can help her achieve difficult goals.

Eleanor already knows Girls on the Run will remain part of her future. Although she has completed the program as a participant, she hopes to stay involved by volunteering at future 5Ks and one day becoming a coach herself.

For girls who are thinking about joining Girls on the Run, Eleanor has simple advice:

“You definitely should. It’s a very encouraging and amazing thing to do.”

Stories like Eleanor and Lucy’s remind us that Girls on the Run is about more than crossing a finish line. It’s about building confidence, creating connections, and inspiring the next generation of leaders- one season, one lesson, and one memory at a time.