On June 14, the OSEG Foundation proudly hosted the Girls on the Run Spring 5K at TAAG Park at Carleton University – a celebration of confidence, resilience, and girl empowerment.
Over 375 girls and 100 volunteer coaches from across the region came together to complete their end-of-season 5K, marking the culmination of 10 powerful weeks of physical activity, confidence-building, and goal setting. Friends, families, and community members lined the route, offering high-fives and heartfelt encouragement, making the day a joyful celebration of each girl’s personal journey.
We were thrilled to welcome some special guests who joined us to mark this inspiring occasion, including Ottawa City Councillors Laura Dudas (Ward 2), Theresa Kavanagh (Ward 7), Riley Brockington (Ward 16), Marty Carr (Ward 18), and Olympic gold medallist Brianne Jenner from the Ottawa Charge. Their presence added to the excitement and showed our participants just how supported and celebrated they are by the community.
More Than a Run
Girls on the Run is more than just a running program; it’s a transformational experience. Designed for girls in grades 3 to 8, the program blends physical activity with an engaging curriculum focused on building confidence, resilience, and life skills. Through weekly
sessions led by trained volunteer coaches, girls learn how to navigate emotions, resolve conflict, and support one another in a safe and inclusive environment.
The 5K event isn’t just a race, it’s a celebration of everything the girls have accomplished. This season’s run included fun and empowering pre-run activities such as face painting, a hair decorating station (proudly sponsored by KPMG), and selfie booths, all designed to help participants feel joyful, excited, and proud.
A Story of Transformation: Meet “Leader Lina”
One of the most moving stories of the season comes from Bayshore Public School, where Girls on the Run Ottawa has been running for eight seasons. The spring 2025 program was so popular that over 20 girls from grades 3 to 5 participated. Among them was Lina, a Grade 4 student whose journey beautifully illustrates the impact of the program.
From the outset, Lina brought a vibrant energy to the group, often eager to engage and participate. She even embraced the nickname “Leader Lina.” Yet, her coaches also observed that navigating social interactions within the group seemed to present a unique challenge for her and she sometimes struggled with the physical activities, finding the laps particularly demanding.
As the weeks went by, Lina began to change. With the guidance of her coaches and the support of the Girls on the Run curriculum, she learned techniques like five-finger breathing and developed “stick-with-it” strategies to manage her emotions, work through social challenges, and find her place among her peers.
Then came a turning point.
“One day Lina showed up in brand-new bright pink running shoes,” said her coach. “Her running improved. She made friends within the program, and she discovered that she really liked running as it made her feel good on the inside.” It was clear Lina had found something special in Girls on the Run.
A teacher from Bayshore Public School shared:
“If there is one thing that comes out of this season, know that you have made a difference in one life.”
At the 5K Celebration Run, Lina took in every activity and lined up at the front of the start line, beaming. She took off like a shot, with her family cheering from the sidelines. Her joy was unmistakable and contagious.
A Lasting Impact
Thanks to the ongoing partnership between Bayshore Public School and the OSEG Foundation, girls like Lina are not only learning to run, but learning to believe in themselves.
And because Lina is in Grade 4, she’ll have the chance to participate in future Girls on the Run programs at her school, further developing the social, emotional, and leadership tools she’s already begun to build.
Thank You
A heartfelt thank you to all the coaches, families, school staff, community supporters, and partners who made this season possible. Your commitment and encouragement are helping girls realize their limitless potential, one joyful step at a time.