As this extraordinary year comes to an end, I write to share with you how much Girls on the Run of the Bay Area has impacted the lives of the girls we work with.

I started off as a volunteer coach when my daughter was in third grade, hoping to inspire in her a love of running. Fast forward 6 years later, her high school cross country team placed in the top 10 in their division at the State championships and I have joined the Board of Girls on the Run of the Bay Area as President.

Anya participated in Girls on the Run from the 3rd-5th grade and the lessons she has carried with her throughout the years have been apparent in her day to day life. Here are some of the lessons that we can take with us too: 

1. The habit of running and working towards a consistent distance

2. A sense of camaraderie with her team

3. Mentorship and leadership

4. Recognizing that running is an individual sport, but you are working towards a common goal to achieve with your team

The physical benefits have helped Anya immensely, but the emotional and social skills she has learned have made the biggest change. 

“You rely on your teammates and every person’s participation counts. If someone falls down, we help them get up. You cheer on everyone. That's what runners do. That's what I remember from Girls on the Run.” Our program continues to grow and we hope to be able to provide more girls across the Bay Area an  outlet to be active, nurture friendships, and build resilience. Please consider giving today to help fund our 2023 seasons.  We want to ensure that every girl - especially those facing hardship - has access to join a Girls on the Run team.

Joyfully,

Sangeetha Raghunathan

President, Girls on the Run of the Bay Area Board of Directors