greater kalamazoo girls on the run

The Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run is an affiliate council of Girls on the Run International, founded in 1996, by Molly Barker, a visionary, Ironman triathlete. Today, there are over 186 chapters across the U.S. & Canada, with new locations added each year.

Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run was founded in 2001, by Kalamazoo community leaders committed to the health and well-being of our area's youth.  Girls on the run in the Greater Kalamazoo area has grown from serving 350 girls in 2002, to nearly 2,200 girls in 2011. We currently have programs in just under 60 schools and community organizations that have a presence in Kalamazoo County.

Girls on the Run is a life-changing, non-profit prevention program that uses the power of running to help girls in 3rd through 8th grade develop self-respect and value a healthy lifestyle.  Our curricula address the development of the whole girl - her physical, emotional, mental, social and spiritual well-being.  The program combines training for a 5k (3.1 miles) running event with healthy living education. The curricula empower girls with a greater sense of self-awareness, a sense of achievement and a foundation in team building, as well as a commitment to enhancing their communities, all of which help them become, strong contented and self-confident women.  

Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run is a community collaboration and is funded by fees, donations and grants. Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run relies entirely on the generosity and support of local individuals, businesses and organizations. Without the support of the greater Kalamazoo area, Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run would not exist. We thank you all!

Communities In Schools Kalamazoo serves as the fiduciary for the Greater Kalamazoo Girls on the Run.