From the first practice to the final finish line, the Fall 2026 Girls on the Run season was filled with growth, friendship, determination, and countless moments worth celebrating.
On October 31, thousands of girls, coaches, running buddies, families, volunteers, and community supporters came together at Hy-Vee Arena for the Fall Girls on the Run 5K. The event marked the culmination of weeks of learning, goal-setting, teamwork, and personal growth.
For every girl who crossed the finish line, the celebration represented something bigger than completing a 5K. It was an opportunity to recognize her strength, celebrate her accomplishments, and discover what she's capable of achieving.
Fall 2026 by the Numbers
This fall, the Girls on the Run community reached incredible milestones across Greater Kansas City.
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3,141 runners participated in the Fall 5K, a 5% increase over Fall 2025.
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1,402 girls completed the fall program, building confidence, developing friendships, and strengthening essential life skills.
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395 volunteer coaches supported and encouraged girls throughout the season.
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100 schools were represented across 18 counties in Kansas and Missouri.
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More than 200 race-day volunteers helped bring the Fall 5K celebration to life.
And the impact extended beyond a single season. Across the Spring and Fall 5Ks, Girls on the Run Serving Greater Kansas City welcomed a combined 7,500 runners in 2026.
Making Strides Toward a Greener Future
Our impact extended beyond the finish line! Thanks to our sustainability partner, Bridging The Gap, we diverted 84.3% of event waste from the landfill during our Fall 5K.
That's nearly 440 pounds of waste diverted through thoughtful recycling and composting efforts!
We're grateful to Bridging The Gap for helping us create a celebration that supports not only stronger, more confident girls but also a healthier community and environment.
Behind every number is a story: a girl discovering her confidence, a coach helping her overcome a challenge, a family cheering from the sidelines, and a community committed to helping every girl recognize her limitless potential.
More Than a Finish Line
At Girls on the Run, the finish line is just one part of the journey.
Throughout the season, girls participated in lessons and activities designed to strengthen their confidence, nurture healthy relationships, and develop the skills to navigate life's challenges.
The celebratory 5K gives participants an opportunity to put those lessons into action. Whether running, walking, or moving at their own pace, every girl is encouraged to set a goal, persevere, and celebrate her progress.
The Fall 5K was a powerful reminder that success isn't measured by how quickly someone finishes, but by the courage, determination, and confidence gained along the way.
View the Fall 2026 GOTRKC 5K Recap Video
A Community That Makes It Possible
The success of the Fall 2026 season wouldn't have been possible without the extraordinary commitment of volunteer coaches, families, running buddies, community partners, sponsors, and volunteers.
Our 395 volunteer coaches dedicated their time and energy to creating safe, welcoming spaces where girls could grow, connect, and discover their strengths.
On race day, more than 200 volunteers helped create a joyful and encouraging environment for every participant, from the starting line to the finish line.
Together, they demonstrated what happens when a community comes together around a shared belief: every girl deserves the opportunity to be joyful, healthy, and confident.
Relive the Fall 5K Celebration
From the first steps across the starting line to the cheers and smiles at the finish, the Fall 5K was filled with unforgettable moments.
Explore photos from the event and celebrate the girls, coaches, families, and volunteers who made the day special.
Looking Ahead: Spring 2027
The next season of confidence, connection, and Strong Girl Energy is right around the corner.
Mark your calendars for these important dates:
Help Bring Girls on the Run to Your School
Want to help even more girls experience the power of Girls on the Run?
Spring 2027 site applications are now open. Schools and community organizations interested in hosting a team are encouraged to apply, and individuals passionate about empowering girls are invited to explore volunteer coaching opportunities.
You don't need to be a runner to be a coach. You just need a commitment to supporting girls as they build confidence, develop meaningful friendships, and discover their strengths.
After selling out in 2026, Camp GOTR is preparing for another summer of creativity, connection, movement, and confidence-building fun.
The first confirmed 2027 session will take place June 14–17 at NKC Parks & Rec, with registration tentatively scheduled to open December 1, 2026.
For two decades, our community has helped girls discover their strengths, build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and recognize their limitless potential.
As we celebrate 20 years of empowering girls in 2027, stories like Sterling Elementary remind us that every girl deserves the opportunity to discover her limitless potential.
Your year-end gift helps us reach more girls, remove barriers to participation, and create the next generation of stories like Sterling's.
20 years of confidence. A future of limitless possibilities.
Help us write the next chapter. Give today: https://www.gotrkc.org/giving/GLI4MWQSJ0ASK3Z