The Girls Gotta Run Foundation (GGRF) is an all volunteer organization founded in 2006 to provide support for impoverished Ethiopian girls who are training to be runners. This allows them to stay in school, avoid early marriages which often lead to dramatic health problems, and gain personal independence. (To read more about the challenges faced by Ethiopian girls, see the December 29, 2005 Washington Post article by Emily Wax, "Facing Servitude, Ethiopian Girls Run for a Better Life.")

At present GGRF supports 21 runners on two teams they co- founded: Team Tesfa and the Simien Girl Runners. GGRF provides money for four pairs of new athletic shoes, two sets of training uniforms - one for summer and one for winter - and other necessary clothing, per year per girl. Additionally, they provide money for extra food ("calorie" money) to make sure the girls have enough to eat...running burns calories! Money is also provided for medical care. They also subsidize coaches' salaries. These, plus other minor training-related expenses, cost about $650 a year per girl, and make an enormous difference in the lives of the girls, including giving hope and opportunity where there were none.

To read the most recent updates on the teams, for Team Tesfa click here.

and for the Simien Girl Runners, click here.

In 2009, GGRF wants to expand the two teams, add another for girls who need and deserve support, and organize a way to provide assistance for Ethiopian girls not affiliated with teams. Additionally, the foundation would like to help fund and set up a model school in Addis Ababa for girls in training. With the help of the Washington DC running community, it can be done. A contribution of $650 will sponsor and $325 will co-sponsor one girl for the entire year. Thirty dollars will provide one girl calorie money for one month; $40.00 will buy training gear; $50.00 will provide a pair of running shoes. Even a small amount can purchase soap, a pair of socks, or underwear. So, whatever you can give will be deeply appreciated

All labor to administer GGRF, including that of the Executive Director, is volunteered, and most services are donated, so approximately 95% of GGRF funds go directly to provide support to the teams in Ethiopia. GGRF has begun to receive some critical and much appreciated support from the local running community. At this holiday season, they are hoping that even more members of the community will embrace and support the girls and the GGRF mission.

For more information see the GGRF Web site or contact the Executive Director, Dr. Patricia E. Ortman, or (202) 244-6354.