Program of Girls on the Run

The standard curriculum is divided into three parts:^[1]

The first eight lessons are centered on the participants’ getting to know themselves. They are encouraged to examine their values, their likes and dislikes, and how they envision themselves. As the girls get to know themselves, they are also share with each other. Lesson topics and learning goals include "fueling our healthy pace", "centering: the importance of slowing down", and "celebrating gratitude".

The next eight lessons concentrate on team building, being supportive, learning to listen and cooperate, etc. Lesson topics and learning goals include "standing up to peer pressure", "gossiping hurts everyone", and "it’s okay to choose my friends."

The final eight lessons relate to the world at large. This includes making a contribution to one’s community and learning to recognize and deal with the negative messages people, and especially girls, often receive from the world (media awareness, negative peer pressure, etc.). Lesson topics and learning goals include "learning about community", "tuning into a new message" (media literacy), and the development and implementation of a group community project.

The season's activities include training to participate in the 5k run which caps off the program. These runs typically involve participants from the whole community,^[12] including the girls' "buddy runners",^[13] parents, and friends. Over 100 running events were organized in 2010;^[14] more are scheduled for 2011.
To keep the curriculum age-appropriate, Girls on the Run operates two programs for its participants. “Girls on the Run” is for 3rd–5th graders (approximately 8 through 10 years old). “Girls on Track” is directed to 6th–8th graders (11 through 13 years old).^[1][15