As we celebrate 25 years of Girls on the Run NJ East, we close our 25 Voices series by looking ahead—toward the girls who will shape the next chapter of our story.
They’re not in grades 3–5 just yet. Some are watching big sisters and cousins cross finish lines. Some are cheering from the sidelines in costumes and face paint. Some already know the cheers by heart. And all of them are dreaming about the day they’ll finally be old enough to join Girls on the Run.
We asked girls in Pre-K through second grade two simple questions:
What are you most excited about when you think of joining Girls on the Run one day?
What is your favorite thing you’ve seen or heard about Girls on the Run?
Their answers remind us exactly why this work matters.
“I’m excited about running around the field with coaches cheering for me.”
— Ottavia, Grade 2
Already, Ottavia imagines what so many girls experience in GOTR: adults showing up, cheering loudly, and believing in her every step of the way.
“I’m excited to have fun outside with my friends. My favorite things are the cheers and the costumes!”
— Maren, Grade 2
For Maren, GOTR means friendship, joy, and play—learning that movement can be fun, shared, and full of laughter.
“I’m most excited about running! And learning the GOTR cheer! They get to do the fun 5K.”
— Coco, Grade 2
Coco’s first 5K finish line is closer than she thinks—and the excitement is already there.
“It would be fun to run with other girls and be really strong!”
— Avery, Grade 1
Strength—physical, emotional, and social—is at the heart of what GOTR builds, even for girls who haven’t yet put on a bib.
“I’m excited to play fun games and run around the school!”
— Samantha, Grade 1
For Samantha, Girls on the Run means movement, play, and the simple joy of being active together.
“I would like to do Girls on the Run because I would like to make new friends!”
— Riley, Grade K
Riley’s words reflect one of the most powerful outcomes of GOTR: connection and belonging.
“I can’t wait to do Girls on the Run because I will love to run outside with my friends.”
— Brielle, Age 5
Even before their first season begins, girls like Brielle already understand that Girls on the Run is about friendship and joyful movement.
“Having fun and working on projects with my friends. I like that it’s outside. I love playing outside.”
— Margaret, Pre-K
Margaret’s words capture the foundation of Girls on the Run: learning through play, connection, and joyful movement.
“I want to do something fun with other girls. My friend’s sister does it and she really likes it.”
— Felicity, Grade 2
Girls notice. They listen. They watch older role models—and they imagine themselves next.
As we reflect on 25 years of Girls on the Run NJ East, these voices remind us that the future is already forming—on playgrounds, at finish lines, and in the hearts of girls who are counting down the days until they can join.
That future is powered by coaches who create spaces of belonging. By partners who open doors. By donors who invest in possibility. And most of all, by girls who show us, season after season, what courage looks like when it’s nurtured early.
As we close this anniversary series, we do so with gratitude—for every story shared, every memory honored, and every step taken together. And with excitement—for all that’s still to come.
Because the next 25 years of Girls on the Run NJ East aren’t just ahead of us.
They’re already running toward us.