Girls on the Run is an afterschool program that seeks to instill a lifelong love of running and healthy living through training 8-13 year old girls to run a 5K.

I’ve had the great privilege of being part of the Girls on the Run Board of Directors since the organization’s inception in 2008.

Since then I’ve witnessed the organization grow from one team of 9 girls in one school to over 2,000 girls in over 120 community centers, public, charter and independent schools in all 8 Wards of DC! It has been incredible! This year alone, GOTR will provide $198,000 in scholarships for girls to participate in the program.

I was not a runner as a kid. In fact, I was named “Best Dressed to Practice” for my t-ball team if that tells you anything about my athletic ability. I was the pudgy kid who focused more on after-school snacks than activities. Thanks to good friends, as an adult, I've learned to love and embrace running!

Girls on the Run uses exercise, positive reinforcement and encouraging role models to help girls discover the confidence they need in the critical pre-teen years and beyond. The program culminates in a 5K Race - this season's race is December 4th.

I have committed to raising $500 on Give to the Max Day and I would like to invite 50 people to donate $10 each to help me reach that goal. (Of course additional donations over $10 are great too!) The reason I’ve chosen Give to the Max Day is because there is a chance for the organization to win an additional $10,000 if they have the most individual donors on that day. AND this team can help Girls on the Run-DC win another $10,000 if I'm able to recruit the most individual donors to my team!!

Need more inspiration – check out the video from our Spring Race Day - http://emilyweissphotography.com/webshow/GOTR6/ . Interested in being a Buddy Runner or running in the December 4th 5K Race, visit: www.gotrdc.org.

Girls on the Run is so much fun! Thanks for your support!

Brandi