Libby Klesmith is a 3rd-year Girls on the Run SoleMate who first became interested in the organization at a Women In Business After Hours event.

"I really liked the 'write a note to your younger self' activity," Libby recalls, adding that since then she's learned a lot about the impact of the program on girls in the community.

"But these tools (GOTR participants learn) are things I lacked in my adult life, like advocating for yourself, listening to your inner voice, how to be able to ask for what you need, and being receptive to others doing the same thing," she said. "I think that's incredibly important."

Libby says she loves that all these tools are learned in a fun, playful environment, especially at a time when young girls can become more selective about who they spend time with. The structured format of lessons, plus the end-of-season goal to run a 5K together, is a proven way to create impact, she adds.

"At the 5K, you almost never see a girl running by herself," Libby said. "Often, there are groups of girls pulling each other along.

"As a SoleMate, your journey is a lot like running alongside those girls in spirit as you raise funds to support them through scholarships."