When Harper Telesca first laced up her sneakers with Girls on the Run in Fanwood, she didn’t know that running would one day become her favorite thing to do. What she did know—even back in 3rd grade—was that GOTR made her feel capable, connected, and confident.
Harper joined her Fanwood team in third grade, coached by Renee Feldman, Venessa White, and Karen DeBernardis—three longtime GOTR volunteers who have inspired hundreds of girls over the years. Their encouraging words, joyful spirit, and belief in every participant helped Harper discover her own I CAN! Power.
“I remember running in my last 5K with my GOTR group,” Harper says. “My GOTR Coach Karen ran with me and reminded me to focus on my breathing and pace. It was during that race that I realized I truly loved running and always wanted it to be a part of my life.”
Those moments of encouragement stayed with her long after the season ended. Harper joined a club team in middle school, gaining strength and confidence with each race. Today, she’s a freshman at Union Catholic High School—and already running varsity.
“The positive lessons I learned about teamwork and friendship have always stayed with me,” she says. “I hope that NJ GOTR East continues to inspire young girls to believe in themselves like it did for me.”
Harper’s story is one of perseverance, passion, and pace—proof that confidence built in elementary school can grow into lifelong determination. She still remembers looking up to her Junior Coach, Julia, and hopes to follow in her footsteps one day by coaching younger girls herself.
Her mom, Jillian, reflects proudly on just how far her daughter has come:
“From a toddler who didn’t walk, to a little pink leg brace, to needing extra help at school, Harper has always done things at her own pace—no pun intended! GOTR provided a fun, inclusive environment that really planted the seed for a love of running. It has given Harper the confidence to pursue running across all seasons on a club team and now on her high school team. Most importantly, the positive lessons learned at GOTR will be carried with Harper for years to come.”
From her first GOTR 5K to her varsity starting line, Harper continues to embody the joyful, healthy, and confident spirit at the heart of Girls on the Run.