Fuel the Future: How Rhode Island Runners Can Empower Girls Through Running
We all know the incredible feeling of crossing a finish line, the surge of confidence that comes with pushing our limits to reach a new goal. At Girls on the Run Rhode Island, we use that same power of running as a platform to build confidence and ignite limitless potential in youth across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts!
What We Do
We believe in helping youth recognize their potential and rise above gender expectations that limit their health, confidence, and joy. Over a fun-filled 10-week season, participants in Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grade) and Heart & Sole (6th-8th grade) discover the power of setting goals, celebrating every milestone, and striving for their personal best. They strengthen their physical, social, and emotional well-being through dynamic interactive lessons, make a positive contribution to their communities through a group community impact project, and complete their journey with a non-competitive, celebratory 5K. We honor the individuality of all people, welcoming youth who identify as girls, nonbinary, and gender-nonconforming and those with sensory, physical, and intellectual disabilities.
Confidence Through Accomplishment
Beyond the miles logged, these programs foster meaningful connections between teammates and coaches. Participants experience the joy of movement, learn to advocate for themselves and others, and gain a deeper understanding of their ability to make positive choices both on and off the course.
How YOU Can Support the Next Generation of Runners
On May 10th, 2025, over fifteen hundred individuals will gather at the University of Rhode Island for the Girls on the Run Rhode Island 5K presented by Waterson Terminal Services. Our community of supporters are an essential part of the 5K celebration, helping participants learn to dream big, achieve their goals, and believe in themselves. As runners and members of the Rhode Island running community, we have a unique opportunity to do so. Here are several ways you can get involved:
5K Course and Village Support (Individuals & Groups): Be part of the energy and help bring the 5K to life! Cheer them on, hand out water, or award medals at the joyful end-of-season 5K. Gather your run club for a powerful team volunteer experience!
Bin Packing (Groups): Can’t make race day? Your group can help prepare teams for success by packing essential items like t-shirts, bibs, and fun accessories.
5K Buddy (Individuals): Every participant needs a supportive adult to run alongside them in the 5K. Your role is simple: offer encouragement and help her feel strong while moving at her own “happy pace”. All speeds and forms of movement are welcome!
Activity Station Volunteer (Individuals): If running alongside isn’t your thing, you can help at fun activity stations where participants decorate their 5K bibs, make cheer signs, and more.
Become a Coach (Individuals): Guide a team through the 10-week season, meeting twice a week. Applications for our fall season (September to mid-November) will open this spring. No coaching or running experience is needed – we provide all the training and materials you need and are here to support you all season long!
Become a Site Champion (Individuals): Help ensure the program is available at a particular site by connecting us with a school principal, a district superintendent, youth program leader, or other key decision making individual at a site.
Volunteer at Partner Races (Individuals): Girls on the Run Rhode Island often partners with local races like the Ocean Road 10K in Narragansett and the Women’s Classic 5k in Providence. Fill out our volunteer interest form and keep an eye out for opportunities to volunteer at these events!
5K Course and Village Support (Individuals & Groups): Be part of the energy and help bring the 5K to life! Cheer them on, hand out water, or award medals at the joyful end-of-season 5K. Gather your run club for a powerful team volunteer experience!
Bin Packing (Groups): Can’t make race day? Your group can help prepare teams for success by packing essential items like t-shirts, bibs, and fun accessories.
5K Buddy (Individuals): Every participant needs a supportive adult to run alongside them in the 5K. Your role is simple: offer encouragement and help her feel strong while moving at her own “happy pace”. All speeds and forms of movement are welcome!
Activity Station Volunteer (Individuals): If running alongside isn’t your thing, you can help at fun activity stations where participants decorate their 5K bibs, make cheer signs, and more.
Become a Coach (Individuals): Guide a team through the 10-week season, meeting twice a week. Applications for our fall season (September to mid-November) will open this spring. No coaching or running experience is needed – we provide all the training and materials you need and are here to support you all season long!
Become a Site Champion (Individuals): Help ensure the program is available at a particular site by connecting us with a school principal, a district superintendent, youth program leader, or other key decision making individual at a site.
Volunteer at Partner Races (Individuals): Girls on the Run Rhode Island often partners with local races like the Ocean Road 10K in Narragansett and the Women’s Classic 5k in Providence. Fill out our volunteer interest form and keep an eye out for opportunities to volunteer at these events!
SoleMates Program (Individuals & Groups): Turn your training miles into meaningful impact! Raise money for Girls on the Run Rhode Island as you prepare for your next race. We will provide you with a personalized fundraising page, resources to help you be a superstar fundraiser, and support you throughout your fundraising journey.
Donate (Individuals & Groups): Your financial contributions directly help eliminate barriers by providing financial assistance based on household income, scholarships, shoes, and activewear for participants who need it most. The need for running shoes in particular has increased in recent years, and you can donate directly to our shoe fund here. Help ensure that more girls have the opportunity to experience the empowering benefits of running!
SoleMates Program (Individuals & Groups): Turn your training miles into meaningful impact! Raise money for Girls on the Run Rhode Island as you prepare for your next race. We will provide you with a personalized fundraising page, resources to help you be a superstar fundraiser, and support you throughout your fundraising journey.
Donate (Individuals & Groups): Your financial contributions directly help eliminate barriers by providing financial assistance based on household income, scholarships, shoes, and activewear for participants who need it most. The need for running shoes in particular has increased in recent years, and you can donate directly to our shoe fund here. Help ensure that more girls have the opportunity to experience the empowering benefits of running!
Come use your passion for running to empower the next generation of strong, confident youth right here in our community. Whether you lace up your sneakers to volunteer or open your wallets to donate, your support will help them discover their limitless potential, one stride at a time.
