Pace the Way was born from a love of running and a belief that every community deserves the energy of a race day. We host local 5K races in select New Jersey communities that don't have many organized sports events — with every dollar of proceeds going straight to Girls on the Run.
"Pace the Way exists because I'm passionate about sports and what they give you — and I want to bring that same energy to New Jersey communities that don't have many organized sports events. We host local 5K races to build that community, with every dollar of proceeds going directly to Girls on the Run so local girls have access to life-changing athletic programs."
Every Pace the Way race is built around one simple loop: neighbors show up, run a local 5K, and their entry fees and sponsorships go directly to fund Girls on the Run programming.
Runners of every pace sign up for a local, community-hosted 5K — walkers and strollers welcome at the back of the pack.
Local businesses sponsor the course, volunteers staff water stops, and families cheer from the sidelines.
Every dollar raised after direct race costs is donated to Girls on the Run to help cover program and scholarship costs for local girls.
Girls on the Run is a national nonprofit physical activity program that uses running to teach girls life skills like confidence, teamwork, and resilience, culminating in a celebratory 5K each season.
Program fees, coach training, and materials all cost money — and that's exactly where a locally-funded race series can help close the gap for families in our own towns.
Pace the Way doesn't run Girls on the Run programs ourselves. We raise money, locally, and send it where it can do the most good.
Pace the Way was founded by Aadya Kolli, a sophomore in the West Windsor-Plainsboro school district, who runs cross country and track and swims competitively. Aadya wanted to turn a love of running into something that directly helps other girls get the same chance to be active. This website is step one of building the organization into a registered nonprofit.
Pace the Way is just getting started — here's how to be part of the first mile.
Local businesses can sponsor a mile marker, a water stop, or the whole race.
Become a SponsorEverything you'd want to know before you register, volunteer, sponsor, or donate.
Pace the Way is in the process of organizing as a nonprofit and applying for federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in New Jersey. Until that determination is granted, donations are not yet tax-deductible.
Pace the Way is an independent local nonprofit that fundraises on behalf of Girls on the Run. We are not an official Girls on the Run chapter, and we don't run their programs ourselves — we fund them.
Race entry fees and sponsorships first cover direct event costs — permits, insurance, safety staffing, and course support. Every dollar left over is donated to Girls on the Run.
Our races are open to all ages and paces — competitive runners, casual joggers, walkers, and families with strollers are all welcome on course.
Each race route is measured and marked in advance, with volunteer course marshals, water stops, and coordination with local police or municipal permits as required.
Pace the Way is founded and organized by Aadya Kolli, a New Jersey high school sophomore, with guidance from a parent advisor while the organization is being formally established.
Whether you want to register interest, volunteer, sponsor, or just ask a question, here's how to reach us.
Leave your email and we'll send race dates, volunteer openings, and sponsorship info as soon as they're locked in.
Pace the Way is a nonprofit currently being organized in New Jersey. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is pending; this site describes our planned mission and programs.