Throughout our “15 Years of Impact” series, we’re celebrating the countless stories of confidence, positive transformation, and contribution that have unfolded in people and in communities across our region. From our humble beginnings in 2009 with just a handful of girls and dedicated volunteers, to now serving thousands of young women across South Louisiana, we are reminded that Together, We Go Further.
Today, we share the story of volunteer Marci Bradley and her journey as a National SoleMate in 2024. SoleMates is a community made up of passionate people raising money for Girls on the Run. Marci was chosen to represent our local council, Girls on the Run South Louisiana on the National SoleMates team.
While Marci trained for the Chicago Marathon, she raised funds and awareness to support girls in our local community. Marci hosted several gatherings with Varsity Sports, including Run Like a Girl, a fundraising social run, to garner support for the campaign.
Now, Marci wasn’t new to Girls on the Run. She was able to share the powerful impact of the program through experience. In 2017 when Marci became involved with Girls on the Run as a Volunteer Coach. She says, “Becoming a coach was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had! Not only did the girls and I have fun while exercising together but we learned how to handle difficult situations such as gossip, negative self-talk, etc. By sharing perspectives with each other, everyone, including myself, learned to be more confident, kind, and joyful in everything we do.”
Marci ran her first 5K with the Girls on the Run team she coached and didn’t stop there. She says, “Girls on the Run inspired my personal fitness journey and empowered me to live more confidently.” Marci completed her fifth marathon, the Chicago Marathon as a National SoleMate in October 2024.
Marci raised over $3,200 for Girls on the Run South Louisiana and became the top fundraiser for National SoleMates in 2024. This earned Marci an entry to The Every Woman's Marathon. This inaugural event was 26.2 miles of sisterhood, community, accessibility and festivity. A race for women, by women, welcoming all abilities.
Marci shared, “It was a weekend full of female empowerment! I met so many inspiring women out there, including several first-time marathoners. It’s always amazing to see others pushing their limits and achieving big goals. Representing @girlsontherunsola and @girlsontheruninternational was an absolute honor.”
We’re grateful to Marci for her support as a SoleMate and the many other ways she advocates for the Girls on the Run program in our community as a board member. Interested in SoleMates? Now is the perfect time to join SoleMates as a Charity Runner for The Louisiana Marathon (5K, Quarter, Half, Full) on January 18-19, 2025.
