2026 Frederick Running Festival with Girls on the Run

WHAT IS GIRLS ON THE RUN?

Girls on the Run (GOTR) offers programming designed for all girls to build confidence, increase their level of physical activity, and learn essential life skills. Our research-based curriculum creatively combines movement with confidence-building lessons and activities, providing an after-school program for 3rd through 8th grade girls. With programming that inspires girls of all backgrounds and abilities to recognize their individual strengths, participants build connection and community in a welcoming team setting. They explore topics including emotions, expressing empathy, and standing up for themself and others all while being in a safe and judge-free space with their peers. Their season culminates with a 5K celebration, where girls experience confidence and unstoppable strength as they cross the finish line. All Girls on the Run 5K participants are encouraged to go at their own pace, their Happy Pace.  

WHAT IS A SOLEMATE?

GOTR SoleMates are inspired and driven athletes that want to build community through their shared passion of supporting Girls on the Run while training to complete your event of choice at the Frederick Running Festival! As a SoleMate, not only do you advance the powerful Girls on the Run mission but by raising critical funds, you enable Girls on the Run to serve more girls across western Maryland. The dollars you raise will have a direct impact on your community and will serve as a model to the future generation that she can do hard things!

WHY BECOME A SOLEMATE?

• Support with every dollar raised and mile logged
• The opportunity to earn Girls on the Run branded apparel and swag
• A personalized online fundraising page making raising funds easy and fun
• Access to resources that take the work out of fundraising
• A team at Girls on the Run that can provide one-on-one help and support, cheering you on as you hit each milestone along the way
• A community of other SoleMates, working towards the same goals and encouraging you along your way!

🌟 Run with Purpose. Empower Her Future. 🌟

By signing up to be a Girls on the Run SoleMate, you’re joining a dedicated community of incredible individuals who believe in making the world a better place—one girl at a time. 💖🏃‍♀️

Girls on the Run teaches 3rd–8th graders life skills they can use today and carry with them for a lifetime—confidence, resilience, and the power of believing in themselves. But we can’t do it alone, we need YOU!

We’re thrilled to offer 50 runners who commit to fundraising $250 with a guaranteed charity bib for an event of their choice at the Frederick Running Festival!* 

Your efforts, both in miles and fundraising will help ensure that more girls have the ability to go for the finish line, in running, and in life.

🎟️ Spots are limited—sign up as a SoleMate today! 💫

*Please note: You are not required to fundraise $250 before receiving your bib however you must commit to raising that amount in order to receive a guaranteed entry/charity bib. Deadline to reach your goal: Sunday, May 31, 2026.