What if a running program could do more than teach kids to move their bodies—what if it helped them build confidence, learn life skills, navigate friendships, and feel like they truly belong?
In this episode of the Find Your Edge podcast, I sat down with Celia Dario from Girls on the Run of the Triangle to talk about how this incredible organization empowers girls across the Triangle in North Carolina, through movement, mentorship, and meaningful curriculum.
What Is Girls on the Run?
Girls on the Run (GOTR) started in Charlotte, North Carolina, and has grown nationwide. Girls on the Run of the Triangle is one of the earliest councils, serving the community since 2000.
Since then, GOTR of the Triangle has served over 27,000 girls across five counties: Durham, Wake, Orange, Chatham, and Johnston.
Who Can Participate?
Girls on the Run serves girls in 3rd through 8th grade through two programs:
- Girls on the Run (Grades 3–5)
- Heart & Soul (Grades 6–8)
Girls can join through their school’s GOTR site, be placed on a team if they don’t have a school program, or participate through some park-based teams.
It’s “So Much More Than Just Running”
This is the heart of the program: girls do not need to be runners to join, and coaches do not need running experience to lead.
Each season follows a curriculum that blends movement with life skills, including:
- Building confidence and self-expression
- Friendship and teamwork
- Working through conflicts
- Handling emotions like anger or anxiety in productive ways
Running becomes a powerful tool for reaching a goal, and completing a 5K often becomes a “proof moment” for girls: I can do hard things.
What Does a Typical Practice Look Like?
Teams meet twice per week for about 60–90 minutes. Practices include:
- A life-skill lesson from the GOTR curriculum
- Warmups and movement-based games
- Running/walking practice that gradually builds toward a 5K
- A supportive team environment where every pace is welcome
And yes, girls might run, walk, cartwheel, stop to cheer for friends, and sparkle their way to the finish line. (If you’ve been to a GOTR 5K, you know the glitter is real.)
Spring Season Registration + Key Dates
GOTR of the Triangle runs two seasons each year: fall and spring.
- Spring registration closes February 23, 2026
- Spring season is a 10-week program
- Bee Amazing 5K: May 16, 2026 (RTP in Durham)
- Race starts at 10:00 AM
The Bee Amazing 5K is open to everyone: runners, walkers, families, strollers, and even dogs. It’s an uplifting community event where proceeds help fund scholarships and support the program.
How to Volunteer: Coach, Help for a Day, or Join Race Day
One of my favorite things Celia shared is that there are many ways to get involved:
- Become a volunteer coach (training provided)
- Help at the GOTR office (like packing team supply bins)
- Show up on race day and experience the joy
- Support through fundraising programs
Last year alone, GOTR of the Triangle had around 800 volunteer coaches.
What Is the GOTR “SoleMates” Program?
Solemates is a fundraising program where you choose a physical activity goal (like a race) and raise funds to support Girls on the Run. In return, GOTR partners with local races and may provide free race registration for participating SoleMates.
Races mentioned include:
- City of Oaks
- Tobacco Road Marathon
- The Garmin Marathon (Durham) — including half marathon options
SoleMates receive encouragement, perks, and may be eligible for giveaways (including a raffle tied to the Garmin race).
Fall Season: Reindeer Romp 5K
For the fall season, the signature race is the Reindeer Romp, traditionally held the first Saturday in December.
Why This Matters: Confidence You Can See
Celia shared that on race day she interviews girls about what they learned, and the answers are powerful: resolving conflicts at school, managing anxiety, making new friends, and feeling proud of themselves.
Watching girls cross the finish line—some for the first time ever running a 5K—is the kind of joy that makes you tear up in the best way.
How to Get Involved with GOTR
To learn more about registration, coaching, volunteering, the Bee Amazing 5K, and SoleMates, visit:
https://www.gotrtriangle.org/solemates
Website: gotrtriangle.org
Instagram: @gotr_triangle
A Note From Coach Chris: Humans of Steel + GOTR
Girls on the Run of the Triangle is also the beneficiary of our annual event, Humans of Steel (August 2, 2026). GOTR leads the kids fun run warm-up, and it’s one of the most joyful moments of the entire day.
Sport changes lives, and this organization is helping girls build physical, emotional, and social strength that lasts a lifetime. Please consider supporting them.
