For mother and daughter Lori and Natalie Kapferer, Girls on the Run has always been more than just a program—it’s been a shared journey, shaping their experiences and strengthening their bond.
Natalie’s first memory of GOTR dates back to when she was just five years old, running (or mostly walking) a 5K on her brother’s seventh birthday. "I feel like I’ve done GOTR my whole life," she reflects. Since her mom was deeply involved with GOTR, Natalie spent much of her childhood immersed in its energy—trying on oversized T-shirts in the Lancaster, PA office and looking up to the older daughters of her mom’s coworkers. When their family moved to New Jersey, she finally got to experience the program firsthand—as a participant.
With her mom coaching at Kelly Elementary, Natalie joined her friends as a teammate, embracing that GOTR energy. Over the years, she attended countless 5Ks—as a runner, course guide, or supporter. Volunteering at a 5K last spring, she was struck by the joy and encouragement among participants. Inspired, Natalie decided to become a junior coach and eagerly anticipates this new role.
"Although I hardly knew anyone there, I felt right at home. Everyone was there to lift each other up. It didn’t matter how fast anyone ran, or who wore what sneakers. Girls would pass each other with high fives and cheers of support."
Natalie’s decision to shift from competitive track to coaching at GOTR mirrors the journey of one of her role models, Mikayla, a former junior coach who showed her that running could be more than just competition—it could be a way to connect, inspire, and build confidence. “For me, running doesn’t have to be about winning,” Natalie shares. “It’s about strengthening myself mentally and physically and being part of a community.”
For Lori, GOTR was a natural fit. She discovered the program in 2009 after realizing the transformative power of running and soon became a coach. Her passion led her to a role as a 5K and fundraising coordinator for the Lancaster council before moving to New Jersey, where she became the Community Relations Director for GOTR NJ East. Her involvement gave her the opportunity to engage with sponsors, organize events, and, most importantly, cheer on the girls as they crossed the finish line. Now, she continues to give back by volunteering at the Branch Brook Park 5K each season.
Sharing GOTR with Natalie has been one of Lori’s greatest joys.
"I was so proud to see her share her authentic self with her teammates, and I was thrilled to watch her engaging with GOTR’s lessons, gaining tools for navigating life. It allowed me to see her in a different context, to get to know her friends, and to watch her grow.”
One memory stands out: Natalie’s former teammate Saniyah, who is visually impaired, participated in GOTR with the help of a running buddy. Saniyah’s courage and determination left a deep impression on both Lori and Natalie, changing the way they viewed the world and reinforcing the importance of resilience and support.
For both mother and daughter, GOTR is more than a running program—it’s a community that empowers, transforms, and nurtures. As Natalie steps into her role as a junior coach, she carries forward the lessons she’s learned from her mom and from the inspiring women who have paved the way before her. And for Lori, seeing Natalie embrace the values of GOTR is the greatest finish line of all.
Stay tuned for upcoming features in our "25 VOICES" series, stories of inspiration and celebration throughout our 25 years as a council!