My name is Christine and I believe in movement. Girls who run become stronger mentally and physically. It empowers them to see they can conquer anything one step at a time with support. No dollar amount donated is too small. It all counts and goes towards supporting girls who benefit from resources otherwise not available to them.
I’ll be participating in the 2025 Berlin marathon on Sunday, September 21. I’ve completed two marathons and did all the training for a third but was injured just before so I feel that counts too. Running for a charity is bigger than myself. Last year I ran for my first charity and it was empowering. People from all walks of life come together for the purpose of making the world a better place. My own kids see that and want to join too. I want them to see there is good in the world and good in people, even in times like today. I consider myself fortunate enough to be able to give back. It’s a privilege to move and I walk for those who can’t.
Who is your donation helping? What is Girls Gotta Run?
Girls Gotta Run Foundation envisions a world in which every girl is able to design a future of her choosing.
OUR MISSION
Girls Gotta Run is the first and only organization investing in girls who use running and education to empower themselves and their communities in Ethiopia.
Our History
The story of Girls Gotta Run Foundation is much the same as the community it serves – a story of tenacious women and men coming together to overcome barriers and empower a new generation of female leaders and runners.
In 2006, Girls Gotta Run Inc., was established as the first and only 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission of providing support for impoverished Ethiopian girls who are training to be professional runners. After reading an article in the Washington Post about girls using running to change their lives in Ethiopia, retired women’s studies Professor, Dr. Patricia Ortman founded the all-volunteer organization with the humble mission of providing funds for shoes and athletic gear for these tenacious girls.
In 2012, Kayla Nolan joined the organization as Executive Director, building Girls Gotta Run’s signature Athletic Scholarship Program model alongside community members in Ethiopia and expanding the organization’s impact. Girls Gotta Run adapted its mission to invest in girls who are using running and education to empower themselves and their communities in Ethiopia. Girls Gotta Run has continued to develop its program model to best fit the needs of the community, including integrating the Mother’s Savings Group and the Alumni Project to ensure the program’s sustainability.
In 2020, Girls Gotta Run welcomed a new Executive Director, Danielle Taylor.
Since it’s inception, Girls Gotta Run has seen 96% of its program participants in its two program locations avoid early marriage, complete the Girls Gotta Run program in full, and enter higher levels of education.
Thanks ☺️
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