Girls on the Run Helps Oskaloosa Students Build Confidence, Friendships and Healthy Habits

Members of Oskaloosa’s ‘Girls on the Run’ organization stopped by the studio to talk about their organization.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – At Oskaloosa Elementary School, students are discovering that running is about more than just exercise. Girls on the Run, a program for third- through fifth-graders, helps them build confidence, make friends, and learn skills they’ll use for life.

The program started in Oskaloosa in the fall of 2025 and is now in its second year. It’s part of Girls on the Run Central Iowa, a national group that combines physical activity with lessons on personal growth.

Oskaloosa Elementary counselor Sam Doll and third-grade teacher Keri Pietan recently visited the Oskaloosa News studio with students Rose Miller and Chloe Dahl to talk about the program.

More Than Just Running

Girls on the Run is a nonprofit that started in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1996. It began with just 13 girls and now serves communities all over the United States and Canada.

Girls on the Run is different from traditional running programs because it helps young girls build important life skills while staying active.

The lessons show girls how to manage their emotions, make healthy friendships, talk with others, work as a team, and believe in themselves.

Doll first heard about the program while working at an elementary school in Des Moines. After seeing how much it helped students, she wanted to bring it to Oskaloosa.

She worked with Pietan and other educators—Haley VanDerPol, Janet Johnson, and Abby Erickson—to organize the local program.

The Oskaloosa program lasts eight weeks each fall, starting in September. Practices are held right after school, which makes it easier for families to join.

The program charges fees based on family income, so cost doesn’t stop girls from joining.

Building Confidence One Lap at a Time

Every practice mixes running with a lesson about life. Girls set their own goals for how many laps they want to run. Coaches cheer them on to push themselves and support their teammates.

This year’s lessons have a theme called Superstars. One key idea is being a Star Sparkler, which means encouraging others and helping them feel good about themselves.

The program makes exercise fun with special activities.

Students have taken part in glow-in-the-dark runs with glow sticks, crazy sock day, stuffed-animal day, and other themed practices.

Miller and Dahl said their favorite parts of the program are spending time with friends, learning about kindness, and having fun while running.

Coaches have noticed that girls from different grades are making friends who they might not have met otherwise.

Older students get the chance to be leaders and set a good example for younger girls in the program.

Giving Back to the Community

Community service is also an important part of Girls on the Run.

Each season, the girls pick a project that helps others.

Last year, the Oskaloosa girls helped the local animal shelter. They picked up litter along a nearby trail and made thank-you cards for shelter workers and volunteers, while also preparing another community service project during this year’s season.

The goal is to show girls that even small actions can make a difference.

Preparing for a Special 5K

The season wraps up with a 5K event on Sunday, November 8th, at Principal Park in Des Moines.

A 5K is 3.1 miles, and this event lets the girls celebrate what they’ve achieved. Oskaloosa girls recently completed a practice 5K on a local trail. Parents, teachers, school staff, and members of the William Penn University cross-country team helped support the runners.

Students made encouraging signs to put along the route. On November 8th, activities start at 12:30 p.m., and the 5K begins at 2 p.m. Community members are invited to sign up and join in.e.

For the Oskaloosa coaches, the main goal isn’t to make faster runners. It’s to help girls build confidence, make lasting friendships, and discover what they can do.

Families who want to join in future seasons can look for announcements from Oskaloosa Elementary School or visit the Girls on the Run Central Iowa website at www.gotrcentraliowa.org.