Girls on the Run (GOTRNebraska.org) is seeking sites and coaches for its innovative after-school program this fall. Since its inception with 11 girls in Lincoln in 2003, GOTR-Nebraska has expanded to serve more than 26,000 girls at 100+ schools across the state.

The innovative after-school program combines exercise, education and mentoring to promote confidence and character in third- through fifth-/sixth-grade girls. GOTR teams meet for 75 minutes twice a week for eight weeks to play running games that help train them for a 5K run/walk.

Character-development lessons on values, teamwork, communication, goal-setting and health are incorporated with the physical training, so participants get much more than exercise. GOTR is as much about good health, friendship, positive body image and self-esteem as it is about running.

The fall season serves teams in Lincoln and Omaha. Teams will meet 16 times, between September 3 and November 7, to complete a new curriculum called “Hello, Super Star!” The highlight of the season will be the Metro GOTR 5K on November 3 in Lincoln, where teams from the region will come together to celebrate every girl’s hard work.

Visit GOTRNebraska.org to bring Girls on the Run to your school or to volunteer.