This past weekend, the streets of Washington, D.C. were alive with excitement as runners from all over the world participated in the iconic Marine Corps Marathon. Among the sea of determined athletes pounding the pavement were a couple of GOTR NOVA’s own SoleMates—runners who aren't just racing for personal achievement, but for a cause close to their hearts: Girls on the Run.
SoleMates are those passionate souls who fundraise their way to the finish line, and this time, it was the Marine Corps Marathon finish line! By aligning their personal fitness goals with a mission they deeply care about, they embody the true spirit of Girls on the Run—demonstrating strength, perseverance, and heart.
Today, we’re highlighting one superstar SoleMate in particular: Ashley Burris. Ashley’s journey to the Marine Corps Marathon wasn’t just about running; it was about juggling the high demands of work, family, and training. And during the marathon, Ashley’s race became even more inspiring when she stepped in to help during a medical crisis mid-race.
Ashley’s Running Story
Ashley’s love for running started early—at just 12 years old. Since then, she’s pushed herself to new limits, finding joy and strength in every mile. Her first marathon? The 2016 Virginia Beach Shamrock Marathon. Not only was it her first 26.2 miles, but she also conquered the race while 15 weeks pregnant! That determination has carried her through race after race, and now she has completed her sixth Marine Corps Marathon.
For those of us who aren’t runners, the question arises: What motivates someone to keep going, marathon after marathon? For Ashley, running is more than just a physical challenge—it’s a form of mental clarity. “Running helps calm me for the workday ahead,” she shares, a sentiment many runners can relate to. It’s her daily reset, a time to center herself before the busyness of life kicks in.
The Heart Behind the SoleMate
When asked why she became a SoleMate, Ashley’s response was simple yet powerful: “I wanted to serve an organization I’m passionate about.” And passionate she is! In addition to being a SoleMate, Ashley is in her third season coaching for Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia, dedicating her time to helping girls build confidence, discover their strengths, and confidently stand up for themselves and others.
Her advice to anyone thinking about starting their own running journey? “Take it slow and listen to your body, because it knows what you need. Also, don’t compare yourself to others. It’s only you against you.” Wise words that align perfectly with the Girls on the Run philosophy of individual growth and self-empowerment.
A Hero on and off the Course
Ashley’s marathon story took an unexpected turn during this year’s race, when around mile 13 or 14, she witnessed a runner collapse. Without hesitation, she made the decision to help along with another runner who happened to be a medical professional. When it became clear that a doctor was needed immediately, Ashley sprang into action. She ran about half a mile ahead to find race staff and alert them. The staff member asked for the bib number of the individual in need of help, but with all of the commotion, Ashley hadn’t gotten it. She ran back to the individual to retrieve his bib number and then back again to the staff member. After reporting the runner’s bib number, she raced back to the fallen runner to let him know help was on the way.
Despite the extra miles and the immense challenge of the marathon itself, Ashley never skipped a beat. Her swift actions exemplified what it means to be a leader, a team player, and a compassionate human being. Just as she teaches her GOTR team to look out for one another, she lived out those lessons in real time. Her team has a remarkable role model to look up to.
Inspiring the Next Generation
Ashley Burris’ marathon journey is a testament to what it means to run with purpose. She is an example to her GOTR team—and to all of us—that with heart, determination, and kindness, we can go farther than we ever imagined. She teaches us that running is about more than miles; it’s about community, perseverance, and rising to meet challenges—on and off the course.
GOTR NOVA is deeply grateful for the incredible efforts of our SoleMates like Ashley, whose passion and perseverance help make our programs possible. Together, we are building a generation of strong, confident girls who are ready to take on life’s challenges, one step at a time.
If you’re inspired by Ashley’s story and want to join us in running for a cause, or if you’d like to financially support our SoleMates, you can learn more and support them here.
