Girls on the Run - Aims to Return to Gallatin County Empowering Young Girls Through Running and Lead

WRITTEN BY DANA LASHER

Girls on the Run, a nationally recognized program that inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident through running and mentorship, is making strides toward a return to the Gallatin Valley. The program, which previously thrived in the area before the COVID-19 pandemic, is now being championed by the Gallatin Valley YMCA, which aims to bring its positive impact back to the community.

Emily Janis, a Girls on the Run alum and Girls on the Run Gallatin Valley Council member, is one of the key voices advocating for the program’s return. Reflecting on her own experience, she shared, “Growing up in Long Island, I had the opportunity to participate in the Girls on the Run program at my elementary school. Girls on the Run not only fueled my passion for running but encouraged me to develop leadership, empathy, positivity and resiliency. It was one of the most rewarding experiences, and I would love to see the program brought to Gallatin County, as it was very successful prior to COVID-19. I truly believe local students may benefit from the program like I did.”

Girls on the Run is more than just a running club. The program integrates physical activity with lessons in self-confidence, teamwork, goal setting and emotional well-being. Participants build endurance through structured training while also engaging in lessons that foster life skills, positive relationships and a sense of community.

Local organizers include Emily Janis, Macy Seadeek from the Gallatin Valley YMCA as well as Kate LaVicky from Light Edison, prominent community members Dylan Thorton, Patricia Niefert, Hannah Gilroy, Emma Orcutt and Gallatin High School student, Delia Thorton. These local organizers, with the assistance of the Gallatin Valley YMCA, are currently working to reestablish Girls on the Run in the Gallatin Valley, and they are seeking volunteers, coaches and sponsors to help relaunch the program. Community members who are passionate about youth development and empowerment are encouraged to get involved.

There is a significant need for welcoming and supportive spaces where young girls can build confidence, stay active and form meaningful connections with peers and trusted mentors. Research shows that girls’ self-confidence begins to decline as early as age 9, while their physical activity levels start to drop at age 10 and continue decreasing throughout adolescence. Additionally, half of girls ages 10 to 13 face bullying, such as exclusion and name-calling, at a crucial stage when peer relationships play an increasingly important role in their lives.

Girls on the Run equips volunteer coaches with the tools to address these challenges, helping girls develop essential life skills through engaging, movement-based lessons. An independent study by Dr. Maureen R. Weiss revealed that 97% of participants gained valuable skills, such as managing emotions, resolving conflicts, helping others and making thoughtful decisions—skills they continue to apply at home, in school and in their friendships. Janis emphasized, “I encourage community members to partner with the Gallatin Valley YMCA to support Girls on the Run Gallatin Valley by volunteering, donating and spreading the word!”

The Gallatin Valley YMCA will celebrate the launch of GOTR with a ColorDash 5K on April 26, 2025, with all proceeds going to the program. The ColorDash event will be held at Gallatin Valley YMCA in conjunction with Y-USA’s Healthy Kids Day — an all-day event for the Gallatin County community.

Registration for the race, sponsorship and events is open now. Girls on the Run will officially start its first 10-week program in early September, with registration opening at the ColorDash and continuing through the summer.

To learn more about how to support the Gallatin Valley YMCA or participate in Girls on the Run Gallatin County, visit www.gallatinvalleyymca. org or contact Emily Janis at the Gallatin Valley YMCA.

Dana Lasher is the CEO of the Gallatin Valley YMCA.