Blog

2025 marked a very special year for Girls on the Run NJ East as we celebrated 25 years of empowering girls across our communities.

At Girls on the Run NJ East, a Bold Heart is someone who leads with courage, compassion, and conviction — and uses her voice to create opportunity for others.

This month, we are proud to spotlight Maria Gennari, a 19-season Girls on the Run coach and SoleMates supporter who was recently honored by the East Orange Education Association with the Keepers of the Dream Award.

2026 Ambassador Applications Open!

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.

For nearly a decade, Hilary Biggs has been a steady, joyful force behind Girls on the Run NJ East’s 5K celebrations— shaping events filled with smiles, confidence, and community and helping participants cross finish lines they’ll never forget.

As we continue our yearlong celebration of impactful mentors, leaders, and community champions, Micah Bradley-Freeman steps into the spotlight as Voice #23 in our 25 Voices series. 

When Kaity Purcell first learned about Girls on the Run, she wasn’t a coach — she was a babysitter watching two girls who couldn’t stop talking about their team.

When Addison Diem and Hannah Smith joined forces at Charles and Anna Booker Elementary School, they never imagined they’d be making Girls on the Run history—launching the first GOTR team in Plainfield in nearly 10 years.

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.