Fueled by strength, resilience, and support from everyone’s favorite dairy drink, Every Woman’s Marathon, is back for round two! This November, Every Woman’s Marathon heads west to beautiful Scottsdale, Arizona. Once again, Team Milk is generously matching each registrant’s registration fee and turning that amount into a donation to support one of four charities including Girls on the Run. Registrants who select Girls on the Run as their charity of choice at Every Woman’s Marathon will help GOTR reach more girls and build confidence that lasts a lifetime.

More than just a race, Every Woman’s Marathon is a celebration of sisterhood, community, and the incredible things people can accomplish when they come together. 

Runners from across the country and beyond train, travel, and take on the starting line to celebrate all women and to show girls they can do hard things. New friends and familiar faces exchange hugs, high-fives, and “you got this” statements. Women embrace their boldness and immerse themselves in an uplifting, judgment-free environment that encourages them to be themselves. The good vibes don’t just exist on the marathon course – our local Southeastern Wisconsin SoleMates program celebrates the joy of sisterhood through a 20-week training program, supporting the whole you every step of the way on your journey to 26.2.

Meet Nicole Gainacopulos

Coach Nicole of RunMomentumMKE ran in the inaugural Every Woman's Marathon as not just a GOTR SoleMate, but as a coach to our 15 Southeastern Wisconsin athletes participating in the 2024 race. This year, Coach Nicole is back! She will be coaching and training alongside 24 women: and you could be one of them!

If you feel a spark after reading their inspiring words, we have good news: spots are still available to participate in Every Woman’s Marathon as a SoleMate! Read on to meet this sensational SoleMate and learn how you can be part of this unforgettable experience! 

Why did you choose to participate in Every Woman’s Marathon as a SoleMate?

“As a full-time running coach, I originally agreedto coach the local SoleMates in our Girls on the Run community simply to support a great cause. But after that very first informational meeting, something shifted. Hearing the stories and seeing the spark in everyone’s eyes—I was completely hooked. Quickly, I realized I didn’t just want to coach from the sidelines and needed to be part of this journey more deeply. I wanted to run alongside these incredible women as a SoleMate and share in every step of their growth, strength, and transformation.”

Why is it important to support the needs of young girls and empower the next generation?  

“I’ve seen firsthand the strength running can unlock. Running holds a unique power that can help girls discover who they are and how far they can go. I’ve always believed in the incredible potential of our youth. I feel deeply called to help young girls see that in themselves. Every time I run, I hope to show my daughter and everyone else that girls and women can do hard things, that we belong, and that we’re just getting started.”

Why Girls on the Run?

“I support GOTR because it’s more than just a running program.  It’s a movement that empowers girls to embrace their strength and believe in themselves while finding their voices. GOTR creates a space where girls are encouraged to grow. It teaches life lessons in a way that’s both powerful and lasting. I also support GOTR because I see its impact on individuals, families, and communities. It plants seeds of strength early on, and those seeds grow into confident, compassionate young women. I can’t think of anything more important than helping shape that kind of future.”

Who or what do you run for, and why?

“I run for my family. When I was young, I learned to run from my dad and older sister. It quickly became more than just a sport. It was our time together and something that helped shape who I am. Running has always been a thread that ties me to the people I love. I also run for my husband.  We met through running and built a deep friendship that turned into our marriage and our family.  We fought his cancer together, and running kept me stable as each scary day passed. Most of all, I run for the future, for my daughter, and for every girl. I run for my son to teach him women are powerful and should be respected.  Running taught me that I can do hard things, and I run to pass that lesson on.”

Feeling inspired? There’s still time to join us!

Bibs for Every Woman’s Marathon are still available, and we’d love for you to be part of this empowering experience. Whether you run for yourself, for a girl you love, or for the next generation of strong, confident leaders, every step you take will make a difference. 

Next steps: Fill out our Girls on the Run Southeastern Wisconsin interest form to connect with the GOTR team to see if SoleMates is the right fit for you and your goals in 2025!