For 20 years now, Girls on the Run Santa Fe has been serving 3rd-8th grade girls in the greater Santa Fe and Los Alamos counties, helping them to more deeply connect with themselves, their bodies, their peers, and their community at large. Some 4,000 girls have accessed this programming, learning and developing new skills in emotional regulation, health and wellness, collaboration, leadership, and building confidence in themselves. All while building endurance to complete their first 5k!
This program is about so much more than running... It's giving these girls access and practice to life skills in an environment that truly cultivates self-mastery and connection.
Over the past year, I've fallen head over heels for this program and the community of families that it serves. I have so much gratitude that it exists. The lessons we teach to these girls two times a week over the course of 10 weeks STILL hit home for me. I can't tell you how many times I catch myself saying, "God I wish I would have had access to this as a kid," because I know it would have made a huge difference in my self-confidence and personal growth.
All funds raised go toward providing financial aid, program materials and supplies, and ensuring that no girl is without appropriate, well-fitting sneakers for the season. For the 2025-2026 academic year, some 34% of all participants received financial aid. GOTR Santa Fe does its best to ensure this program is accessible to every girl in our community. While full registration fees are $140 (covering program shirt and water bottle, all materials for the 10-week program, training and CPR certification for volunteer coaches), the average cost per girl in full expenses are $296. The average fee paid, due to scholarship, is $76. Thanks to donors, volunteers, local businesses and grants, we're able to provide financial support to families that might not otherwise have access to this program. Every dollar counts!
