When it comes to Girls on the Run Greater Houston 5Ks, there has always been one constant presence at the start line: Stephanie Simmons, our beloved emcee. Since 2021, she has been the voice that kicks off each race—twice a year, every fall and spring—bringing unmatched energy, encouragement, and fun to our community.
But for Steph, emceeing was never just about being on stage. It was about being part of the run. After her very first race, she created her own tradition: as soon as the girls started running, she’d hop off the stage, jump in line, and run right alongside them. Sometimes that meant helping someone who needed a running buddy, sometimes it meant giving a little push of motivation at mile two, and sometimes it simply meant sharing the joy of crossing the finish line together.
One memory stands out especially strong. “[There was] a super fast girl,” Stephanie recalls. “I ran up next to her and she asked me if I could run with her to the finish line. I did, and after the race she got sick in the grass. I went to see if she was okay, and she said, ‘That was awesome! I think I won!’' She was such a tough cookie, and for her, getting sick was part of the fun. I thought, what a cool young lady!”
Moments like these capture exactly what makes GOTR so powerful—girls discovering their strength, resilience, and joy in the process. And Stephanie Simmons has been there to witness it firsthand, mile after mile.
Now, as she prepares to move to San Diego, Stephanie is looking forward to a new kind of running adventure. “Running in the hills!” she says. “I love running on Buffalo Bayou here in Houston, but there’s something special about running to the top of a dusty mountain and seeing a gorgeous view of the ocean when you get to the top.”
But Girls on the Run won’t be losing her completely. “The message is… I love you all so much, I’m not leaving! I already have a meeting scheduled with the GOTR San Diego chapter. I’m a forever supporter of this wonderful organization.”
From hyping up the crowd, to running shoulder-to-shoulder with our girls, to cheering at the finish line—Stephanie, you’ve been an unforgettable part of the GOTR Greater Houston story. Thank you for everything you’ve poured into this community. We wish you all the best in your new adventure, and we’re so glad the GOTR sisterhood continues wherever you go. 💜