Girls Running
Strong Girls. Strong Communities.
Running is where the journey begins.
It is the catalyst for everything that follows. This is where they discover what they are capable of.
Athletic Scholars train 3-5 times per week as a team under the guidance of a dedicated female coach. Practices are designed to fit alongside school and family responsibilities, allowing participants to fully engage without compromising their education.
Why Running?
A Gender Equalizer
Running creates visibility for girls in spaces where they are often overlooked, challenging norms and expanding what is possible.
Education and Inclusion
Sport helps girls stay engaged in school. Girls who participate in sports are more likely to stay in school and complete their education.
Pathways to Opportunity
Running can open doors to scholarships, competition, and future economic opportunities—expanding what is possible for girls and their families.
Health and Well-Being
Regular participation in sport is linked to improved physical health, reduced stress, and increased self-esteem. Girls who play sports report higher levels of confidence and lower rates of anxiety and depression.
Leadership and Confidence
Through training and competition, girls develop leadership skills that carry into all areas of life. 94% of women in leadership roles report playing sports.
Each girl is equipped with the essentials she needs to train, including running shoes, athletic apparel, water, and post-practice snacks. These supports ensure she can show up consistently, train safely, and focus on her growth.
Sports Kits
Throughout the year, Scholars have the opportunity to compete in local and regional races, setting goals, gaining exposure, and building confidence through achievement. Races include the Women’s First 5K in Addis Ababa, the Great Ethiopian Run 10K in Arba Minch, and races in Bekoji.
Through running, girls build discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of community. They learn to push past limits, support one another, and begin to see new possibilities for themselves. The impact extends far beyond the track.
Race Opportunities
Success Stories
New Initiatives
We’re excited to introduce plans to expand our Girls’ Running Program.
Self Defense
At the request of mothers, Girls Gotta Run teamed up with Studio Samuel to invest in self-defense instruction for our girls in Ethiopia. With your support, we’re answering a real and urgent need—many girls walk long distances alone to school, to gather water, or to get to practice. Their safety matters. Through this training, they gain not only tools to deter unwanted encounters but also the confidence to move through the world with strength and self-assurance. We’re helping raise girls who run toward opportunity and know how to hold their ground.
Advancing Gender Equity
We know that true gender equity requires whole-community engagement. That’s why we plan to expand efforts to include boys and men in our gender equity programming. Through workshops, school-based dialogues, and community engagement events, we will explore the role of male allies in championing girls’ education and empowerment. Our aim is to foster understanding, respect, and shared responsibility across gender lines—so that change isn’t just happening for girls, but with the support of their families, peers, and wider communities.
Coach Fatiya in Soddo
We’re empowering girls to know they can run anything—marathons, businesses, even for president. Our incredible Coach Fatiya traveled to Soddo for the first time in 2025 to welcome the new batch of Athletic Scholars and align their training with that of our scholars in Bekoji. Beyond athletic skills, Coach Fatiya is dedicated to sharing lessons that build confidence, personal hygiene, and self-worth. These practices lay the foundation for these young athletes to run and succeed in all of life’s races!