Girls on the Run of Ottawa and Allegan Counties currently serves over 1500 girls throughout the spring and fall seasons.  We are the 4th largest Girls on the Run program in the nation, serving about 70 school sites and growing.

Girls on the Run is a life-changing character development program for girls in grades 3-8 that uses running as a tool to help develop healthy self-esteem and gives girls the knowledge to lead a healthy lifestyle.  The program combines training for a 3.1 mile non-competitive running event with self-esteem enhancing, uplifting workouts and a community service project.  The lessons emphasize healthy fun through activities that promote character building, based on the whole-person concept, which stresses the importance of developing the emotional, mental, social, and physical aspects of the individual.

Teams of 8-15 girls meet twice a week for ten weeks, on either Mondays and Wednesdays or Tuesdays and Thursdays, for 1.5 hours.  They are mentored and encouraged by their certified Girls on the Run coaches.

Girls exit the program with a greater acceptance of themselves, a stronger sense of identity, new friendships, a healthier body image, and the knowledge of what it's like to be part of a team.

Our Mission

To educate and prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living.

Our Vision

It is our vision to allow all girls in Ottawa and Allegan counties the opportunity to learn about and experience whole person growth. 

We seek to help all girls grow into physically and emotionally healthy women, to dream and achieve goals and to become contributing members of the community.  We are committed to offering this program to every girl, regardless of her ability to pay.  Through the community support we receive, we are able to offer full and partial scholarships to girls who cannot financially afford the program.We will never turn a girl away due to an inability to pay.