Dear Editor: I would like to thank everyone who made the 17th season of Girls on the Run a success this fall! Twenty-five third- through fifth-grade girls spent 10 weeks building confidence and self-esteem while forming new friendships and training for a “Dance Party”-themed 5K. We could not have had such a successful 5K without the support of GOTR families, friends and community members who came to set up, run with participants, and cheerlead along the course. Thank you to everyone who helped to make our 5K joyful and fun!
Girls on the Run is coordinated in Sitka by partners of the Pathways to a Safer Sitka Coalition, with different partner agencies contributing coaches to serve as role models, planning and facilitating aspects of the program, and helping to make the 5K possible. Those of us at Sitkans Against Family Violence are grateful to our wonderful coaches, including community volunteers and coaches from Kéet Gooshí Héen, Sitka Conservation Society, Sitka Tribe of Alaska, and Youth Advocates of Sitka. We are also thankful to City of Sitka Parks and Recreation for supporting family engagement activities, Kéet Gooshí Héen for providing program support and practice space, Sitka Counseling for 5K support, and Sitka Tribe of Alaska for facilitating yoga at practices.
Girls on the Run also receives support from local and statewide businesses and organizations that made this season possible. We would like to thank the Alaska Network on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, the Council on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, Harrigan Centennial Hall, KCAW, KIFW, Russell’s, Sea Mart, Sitka National Historical Park, and the Sitka Sentinel.
We are grateful to offer this program on Lingít Aaní, and we are grateful to the Lingít people for stewarding this land since time immemorial. We recognize that Girls on the Run reflects the Southeast Alaska Traditional Tribal Values of courage, holding each other up, respect for self, elders, and others, humor, and strength in mind, body, and spirit. We are grateful to the Lingít people for instilling these values and caring for this place.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to and participated in this season! We are excited to offer Boys Run I toowú klatseen this upcoming spring and Girls on the Run in Fall 2026. If you are interested in participating, coaching, or volunteering in either program, please reach out to schools@safv.org or 907 747-3493. We would love to have you join us in this important work! Gunalchéesh,
Claire Weber,
Girls on the Run Coordinator,
Sitkans Against Family Violence
