Youth Activities

Girls on the Run

An 8-week program empowering girls in grades 3–6 through running, life skills, and community service.

Program Details

Program Dates

Monday, July 13 to Saturday, September 5, 2026

Session Times

Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm

Registration Deadline

Friday, July 13, 2026

Season-Ending Event

Annual Rodeo Stampede 5K Run/Walk, September 5, 2026

Program Cost

$75 per participant

Includes 16 lessons, GOTR t-shirt, 5K entry, water bottle, snacks at each practice, and finisher medal

Registration Fees

Program Participation$75

No girl is turned away due to an inability to afford the cost of the program. Thanks to the generosity of our community partners, the Fort Madison Family YMCA offers financial assistance to those in need. Stop by the YMCA during regular office hours to apply. Registration deadline is Friday, July 13, 2026. Register in person at the Fort Madison Family YMCA.

For more information, contact Ryan Wilson at 319-372-2403 or [email protected]

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About This Program

The Fort Madison Family YMCA is excited to bring this 8-week program back to Fort Madison for its 4th year! Girls on the Run is a nationally recognized program where hundreds of communities across the United States bring together pre-teen girls to help them develop self-respect and healthy lifestyles through dynamic, interactive lessons and running games, culminating in a fun, celebratory 5K Run/Walk.

The Fort Madison Y has specifically designed this 8-week program to empower, enrich, and enhance the physical, emotional, and spiritual health of area girls in grades 3rd through 6th. Led by certified Girls on the Run Head Coach Jordyn Meierotto, the program encourages participants to build confidence, develop character, and foster connections through engaging lessons and activities.

Over the course of the program, girls will develop and improve competence, establish confidence in who they are, develop character strength, respond to others and themselves with compassion and care, ignite positive connections with peers and adults, and make a meaningful contribution to our community through a team-created and executed community service project.

Girls on the Run 5K celebration at the Fort Madison Family YMCA

Program Highlights

Grades 3 to 6: Open to girls in 3rd through 6th grade in the Fort Madison area.

Certified Coach: Led by certified GOTR Head Coach Jordyn Meierotto with 16 engaging lessons throughout the season.

Official GOTR Gear: Each participant receives an official Girls on the Run t-shirt, water bottle, and finisher medal at the season-ending 5K.

Season-Ending 5K: Teams come together at the Fort Madison Family YMCA Rodeo Stampede 5K to celebrate the skills and accomplishments of the season.

Community Service: Girls make a meaningful contribution through a team-created and executed community service project.

Financial Assistance: No girl is turned away due to inability to afford the program. Financial assistance is available. Stop by the YMCA during regular office hours to apply.