For Imani George, Girls on the Run was her first introduction to extracurricular activities. What began as an after-school program would eventually spark years of involvement in athletics, leadership, and community service. 

Growing up, Imani’s parents were active individuals and wanted their daughter to follow in their footsteps. When they learned that Girls on the Run was being offered at Magnolia Woods Elementary School, they jumped at the opportunity to sign her up. 

After participating in the program for two years, Imani began to see Girls on the Run as an outlet where she could build friendships, gain confidence, and discover new interests. For many children, the routine can feel repetitive: school, home, homework, and then back to school the next day. Girls on the Run gave her a space to grow beyond those boundaries.  

The program also allowed participants to connect with their peers in a different setting. Through lessons, activities, and running together, girls formed friendships and built stronger relationships with one another.  

When asked about her experience, Imani immediately recalled running laps around the back of her school. For every lap completed, participants earned a band. She loved tying the bands together and watching them grow, a visual reminder of her progress toward the program’s 5K goal. 

As she continued participating, encouraging other girls became just as important as reaching her own goals. Her endurance increased, and so did her self-confidence. She believes the program plays an important role in supporting children’s mental health by providing a positive environment where they can learn, grow, and connect with others. 

After Girls on the Run, Imani continued running throughout middle and high school. She believes the program influenced the distances she chose to compete in, including the mile and 800-meter race in middle school and the 3200-meter race in high school. She also participated in cross country, carrying with her the confidence she first developed through Girls on the Run. 

The program’s impact extended beyond athletics. In middle school, Imani helped establish her school’s first student council and served as its president. She later joined Key Club in high school, where she accumulated hundreds of volunteer hours, and remained active in student government to serve and advocate for her fellow students. Today, she continues to volunteer at Girls on the Run events. 

Although she no longer runs competitively, Imani believes the lessons she learned through Girls on the Run have stayed with her. The program introduced her to the value of community involvement, leadership, and meaningful relationships with others. 

When asked to describe the impact Girls on the Run had on her life in one sentence, she said, “Girls on the Run was the start of the trajectory of my involvement in organizations that built my character.” 

For Imani, the program was about much more than running. It helped shape how she sees herself, how she connects with others, and how she chooses to engage with the world around her.

Imani's story is just one example of the lasting impact Girls on the Run can have long after the final 5K. If you are a Girls on the Run alum, we invite you to stay connected through Beyond the Finish, Girls on the Run South Louisiana's alumni community. Connect with fellow alumni, share your story, hear about volunteer opportunities, and continue making an impact in your community. Join the Beyond the Finish Line community today!