Chicago, IL – March 5, 2025 – Birthdays are often celebrated with cake and parties, but this year, one Chicagoan decided to turn her special day into an opportunity to give back. On March 3rd, a group of 25 friends gathered at Basecamp Fitness West Loop for a birthday charity workout, supporting Girls on the Run Chicago—a nonprofit that empowers young girls through movement, mentorship, and confidence-building programs.The goal? Move with purpose. Participants completed 161 miles during Basecamp’s signature 35-minute high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workout, designed to push participants through a mix of strength and cardio while burning 50 minutes worth of calories in just 35 minutes. For this event, every mile biked equaled $1 donated to Girls on the Run Chicago, turning sweat and effort into meaningful impact during Women’s History Month.
A New Kind of Celebration
For event organizer Ayu Nabilah, the idea to host a charity workout came naturally.
“Every year around my birthday, my friends and I try to give back—usually by volunteering on my birthday weekend,” said Nabilah. “But now that everyone is so busy, I wanted to create something simple, meaningful, and fun. With my birthday falling in March, during Women’s History Month, partnering with Girls on the Run Chicago felt like such a thoughtful way to bring together what I love—working out—while giving back to the community. We showed up, moved for a cause, and donated $1 for every mile we biked to support the next generation of girls right here in Chicago.”
By the end of the night, the group combined their miles and additional contributions to raise funds supporting Girls on the Run Chicago’s mission. More than just a workout, the event became a space where friends and community members could prioritize their health while supporting a mission dedicated to empowering young girls across Chicago.
Why Girls on the Run?
As someone passionate about fitness, mentorship, and community impact, Nabilah found Girls on the Run Chicago to be the ideal organization to support. The nonprofit offers research-based programs that creatively integrate running while helping participants develop essential life skills. With a focus on social, emotional, and physical development, Girls on the Run helps girls build confidence, strengthen friendships, and embrace their limitless potential. Serving seven Chicagoland counties, Girls on the Run Chicago has made a lasting impact through after-school programs, service projects, and community 5K events designed to celebrate achievement and encourage lifelong wellness.
The Power of Movement
Instead of a traditional birthday celebration, this event focused on creating something memorable through movement, purpose, and giving back.
“Not everyone may love a HIIT workout,” Nabilah laughed, “but everyone values their health and supporting a good cause. This was a meaningful way to bring those two things together.”
Throughout the evening, the energy in the room was high, with friends cheering each other on, pushing through the workout, and celebrating the miles completed. Afterward, participants stayed to connect, reflect on the experience, and learn more about the work Girls on the Run Chicago does to support girls in the community.
Looking Ahead
While the birthday workout may have lasted just one night, the impact continues. With funds raised directly supporting Girls on the Run Chicago’s mission, young girls across the city will have access to programs that help them develop confidence, build life skills, and find joy in movement.Inspired by the success of the event, Nabilah hopes to continue creating opportunities to blend fitness and charity.”This was such a fulfilling way to celebrate, and I’d love to see more people turn their birthdays or personal milestones into ways to give back. It’s amazing what can happen when you come together with your community for a good cause.”This birthday celebration was a reminder that every mile, every effort, and every donation counts—and together, they can create lasting change far beyond the workout itself.
About Girls on the Run Chicago
Girls on the Run Chicago is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing girls’ social, emotional, and physical skills to successfully navigate life experiences. Through a fun, experience-based curriculum that creatively integrates running, the program inspires girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident while empowering them to recognize and activate their limitless potential.As a council of Girls on the Run International, GOTR Chicago proudly serves seven Chicagoland counties, making a lasting impact on the community through participant-led service projects and a commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and access.
For more information, visit www.gotrchicago.org.
Media ContactCompany Name: Girls on the Run ChicagoContact Person: Media ManagerEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: www.gotrchicago.org
