For many, Girls on the Run (GOTR) is a memorable childhood program filled with colorful lap counters, energy awards, and a 5K celebration. For Julianna Gillespie, however, it became the foundation for a lifelong mindset centered on leadership, empathy, and self-belief.

From her early days as a participant to mentoring young girls as a high school junior coach—and ultimately receiving the 1st GOTR of Central NJ Alumni Scholarship—Julianna’s story shows how the lessons learned on the track can shape a lifetime.

Seeing the Program from "The Other Side"

When Julianna’s mother decided to become a GOTR head coach, Julianna jumped at the chance to join her as a junior coach. She hoped to pay forward the positive memories from her own childhood, but stepping back onto the track offered her an entirely new perspective.

"Being on the other side of the program allowed me to see the true value behind each lesson and activity in a way that I couldn't fully appreciate when I was younger," Julianna reflects. "I realized that every lesson was intentionally designed to help the girls build confidence, develop strong relationships, and become strong, bright young women."

Being a role model also shaped Julianna’s personal confidence during high school. Knowing the younger girls were watching helped her realize that true leadership isn't about being the loudest person in the room—it’s about leading by example with patience, intentionality, and positivity.

Lessons That Last Beyond the Track

Throughout high school and into college, Julianna continues to lean on the core strategies she first practiced as a young participant:

• Unlocking "Star Power": Among all the curriculum concepts, the Star Power lesson stuck with her the most. During moments of self-doubt or academic stress, Julianna reminds herself that everyone has unique strengths—and that she has the power to brighten her own mindset.

• A Balanced Approach to Health: GOTR’s self-paced running philosophy taught Julianna to listen to her body. She carried this mindset into high school and college, learning that rest and recovery are just as important as working hard. "You can't give 100% of yourself 100% of the time, and that's completely okay," she shares.

• Community and Support: During a final season 5K, Julianna was running alongside a tired participant who wanted to stop. Unprompted, two other teammates ran back to cheer her on and finish the race together. For Julianna, that moment captured what GOTR is truly about: building friendships and lifting each other up.

Passing the Torch

Winning the inaugural GOTR of Central NJ Alumni Scholarship provided more than just financial support as Julianna transitioned to college—it served as a powerful reminder of how far she had come.

When asked what message she has for current participants considering becoming junior coaches or applying for future scholarships, Julianna’s advice is simple:

"Absolutely go for it. When I first decided to become a junior coach, I didn't think I could love Girls on the Run more than I already did as a participant, but becoming a coach gave me a whole new perspective and an even greater appreciation for the program."

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