Girls on the Run is a physical activity-based positive youth development program designed to develop and enhance girls’ social, psychological and physical competencies to successfully navigate life experiences. All of this is accomplished through an active collaboration with girls and their parents, schools, volunteers, staff, and the community. The mission of Girls on the Run St. Louis is to empower girls for a lifetime of healthy living. Our program for girls in the 3rd through 8th grades inspires girls to be joyful, healthy and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running. The 20-lesson Girls on the Run curriculum combines training for a 5k (3.1 miles) running event with lessons that inspire girls to become independent thinkers, enhance their problem solving skills and make healthy decisions. However, Girls on the Run is so much more than an after school running program. It is a philosophy. It not only affects the girls who participate in the program, but also the volunteer coaches who deliver it and the many community members who support our program and mission. This provides an environment for all girls and women that nurtures, develops, and celebrates their strengths and empowers them to be their most authentic selves.