10 years MOTRStrong!

When a group of moms meeting in a local park decided they wanted to spice up their post-baby fitness journey by training for a 5K race, Moms on the Run was born. The first class was held on April 12, 2008, in small town Forest Lake, Minn. Today, Moms on the Run is a nationally franchised running company with 46 locations in six states — and growing.

Founder and CEO Karissa Johnson could never have guessed how many people would respond to the invitation to join the movement of "Fitness, Fun and Friendship" through Moms on the Run. She admits that the fast growth of the business has been extremely challenging, but states it has been worth the obstacles she's had to overcome. "Moms on the Run has turned into something I never could have imagined," reflected Karissa. "Being a franchisor is the hardest thing I've ever done, but the inspirational stories I hear from the women in our program keep me going and motivate me to continue to spread our mission."

More than 4,000 women have participated in Moms on the Run since its inception ten years ago. For many, it has been life-changing.

"MOTR changed my life completely," commented Tracy David of Minneapolis. "I've learned to overcome some of the biggest obstacles in my life because of the support, love and inspiration I get from my tribe."

Rachel Baar of Forest Lake, MN agreed, "My favorite thing is seeing amazing women accomplish something they may have believed was once impossible!"

And when asked about her favorite thing about Moms on the Run, Heather Frei of Fridley, MN explained, "There are not many places that you sign up for an exercise class and you get a family. The sisters that I have met through MOTR challenge and support me each week and I know that I am so much stronger, physically and emotionally, because of them."

Moms on the Run is challenging, it's fun and it's a family — of passionate, awesome, dedicated women. To the women who say 'yes' to a class or to a potential business opportunity in a new city, there's so much potential. Join us as we blaze a trail over the next 10 years!

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