The start of the 2023 Girls on the Run (grades 3-5) and Heart & Sole (grades 6-8) spring season is almost here with practices beginning the week of February 6. Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based, positive youth development program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident. The 12-week program, which is offered after school in the spring and fall at schools, parks, community centers and places of worship, is designed for children in third through eighth grade and uses physical activity to help participants unlock critical life skills, build confidence, foster meaningful connections with others and contribute to their communities. Girls on the Run and Heart & Sole programs will be offered at more than 100 locations throughout greater Atlanta, Athens, North Georgia and Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) this spring.

“Girls on the Run is so much more than running. Our programs are focused not just on physical activity, but also emotional learning, helping to reinforce critical life skills like making friends, managing emotions, and setting and achieving goals,” said Evelina Pierce, Program Director, Girls on the Run Georgia. “We can’t wait for the start of our spring season so we can once again provide children throughout the communities we serve with an inclusive and fun place for participants of all abilities to create meaningful connections, establish healthy habits and make memories that will last a lifetime.”

In order to ensure that every girl has the ability to participate in Girls on the Run regardless of her family’s finances, program fees start at $0 and are on a sliding scale based on household income. The program fee includes twenty, 90-minute lessons led by certified Girls on the Run coaches; a Girls on the Run or Heart & Sole program T-shirt; lesson materials and a journal; entry into the celebratory end-of-the-season 5K; a 5K finisher’s T-shirt and medal; and more. To ensure that all participants are able to comfortably take part in the program, Girls on the Run also provides athletic gear like running shoes and sports bras to girls whose family’s household income is less than or equal to $50,000. Additional information on program fees and gear can be found in the spring lottery registration form.

Spring season lottery registration will remain open through 11:59 pm on Tuesday, January 24. To learn more about Girls on the Run including how to register your child for the spring season, visit girlsontherunatlanta.org.