Girls on the Run from Mountain Elementary. Standing from left: Coach Nancy Parga, Lucy Lindsay, Braelynn Dick, Coach Branden Willman, Elise Thalacker, Coach Kandice Favorite, Ali Maupin, Chliu-Yen , Amaya Dick, Coach Stephanie Luscher, Coach Signe Moore, baby Ansen. Kneeling, from left: Lane Cleveland, Scout Cleveland, Becky Herroon, Pamela Cox, Natalie Cox. Courtesy photo

Scout Cleveland, Lane Cleveland, and Elise Thalacker represent Mountain Elementary at the 2026 Girls on the Run 5k. Courtesy photo

By WHITNEY SPIVEY
Los Alamos

Starting in February, around 50 elementary students across Los Alamos participated in Girls on the Run, a nation-wide program that inspires participants to “recognize their inner strength, increase their level of physical activity, imagine their possibilities, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.”

Participants met after school twice a week for ten weeks. Each practice involved not only running but also celebrating positivity and teamwork. The program culminated on Mother’s Day with a 5k at Santa Fe Community College. Students from Aspen, Barranca, and Mountain elementary schools completed the 3.1-mile race alongside their adult running buddies. Before and after the race, the girls decorated their cheeks with face paint and their hair with colorful clips. Each girl received a finisher medal and a t-shirt.

Girls on the Run, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, was founded in 1996 but is relatively new to Los Alamos. Coach Christa Saenz says Barranca Elementary has had a team for three years. “We had 20 girls on our team this year,” she says, “and we love GOTR!”

Coach Alisa Rolfe says Aspen Elementary has been participating for seven years, with approximately 20 girls in both the fall and spring seasons. Rolfe also encourages community members to support Girls on the Run, especially through the LANL Giving Tool, which allows LANL to partially matches donations. “I think if Los Alamos people knew how many students are involved in this organization, and how many kids it has influenced throughout the years, they would probably be more likely to contribute,” she says. Donations would support things like scholarships and coach training. 

Since 2025, Coach Branden Willman has led the team at Mountain Elementary, which this year had 10 participants. “I think all of the coaches agree that it was a really fun and impactful season,” Willman says. “We have been so impressed with all of the girls’; attitudes, commitment and grit this season.”

Scott and Elise Thalacker buddy up for the race at Santa Fe Community College. Courtesy photo