Coach

Girls on the Run coaches are trained volunteers who lead a team of participants through a season of powerful and fun lessons. You do not need to be a runner; you simply need to have a desire to support and encourage the next generation. Coaches receive all the tools and support they need and find that they get as much out of coaching as they give.

Two smiling Girls on the Run coaches running with participant at 5K

Girls on the run coach handing out activity card to participant

Smiling Girls on the Run coach and participant

coach quote

“Being a coach has impacted me in a positive way. I feel more empowered and confident. All the lessons are lessons that even we as adults can learn from. I love the program.”

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Requirements

You must be at least 16 years of age.
Complete our Coach Registration Application.
Consent to and complete a background check.
Attend and finish Coach Training. In-person training will be offered in February/March
Commit to the season’s practice schedule, which is two times per week after school

Responsibilities

Get to know and understand your co-coaches to better serve your team.
Have fun while serving as a role model for program participants.
Review, prepare and supervise weekly lessons (curriculum provided by Girls on the Run).
Collaborate with other coaches for successful lesson delivery.
Commit for the entire season (practices and end-of-season 5K event).
Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants.

Season Details

The Season Starts: The week of March 4, 2024
You must submit your Coach Registration Application by: February 26
New Coach Training information: Coaches are required to attend one of the following in-person training dates:
- Saturday, Feb. 3rd from 8:30am-12:30pm at Delmar Divine
- Thursday, Feb. 22nd from 5:30-9:00pm at WahsU-PT Forest Park
- Sunday, March 3rd from 12:30-4:30pm at Cor Jesu Academy
Returning Coach Training: If you have previously been trained, you are invited to attend an optional in-person refresher training:
- Monday, Feb. 12th from 6:00-8:00pm
The end of season 5K date: Saturday, May 11, 2024

Help transform and strengthen the next generation

Coach Registration

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A Girls on the Run is smiling at the camera wearing a blue program shirt

"Watching the girls in terms of what they have learned has been really fun this season. I think the best thing they have learned as a group is to have trust in each other and to communicate with each other about how they feel."

Coach Kaylyn

A Girls on the Run coach smiles while holding a program medal at the 5K

"As a coach, I just really realized how important it is to pour into this generation of girls and lift them up."

Coach Shayla

A Girls on the Run program coach smiles at the camera outdoors.

"It’s the girls’ smiles that inspire and motivate me."

Coach Mo

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are coaches important?

There are girls who need YOU to help them unleash their power and potential. If you are considering coaching, ask yourself: What better gift can you give to the next generation than inspiring confidence and a strong sense of self?

Almost 100% of girls said their Girls on the Run coaches care about them.
99% of coaches agreed that the coaching experience was valuable for them.
96% of coaches said they felt they formed positive relationships with the girls on their team.
94% of Girls on the Run coaches said they felt like they were making a difference in their girls’ lives.

Do I need to be a runner or athlete to be a coach?

No! Girls on the Run provides the training, curriculum and supplies needed to safely lead a team for a season! You simply need to be a motivating role model for your team. Many of our coaches participate in their first 5K alongside their team!

Are coaches all female?

No. But here is our policy:

At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
Our Head Coach must be female.

Do I need to be CPR certified?

A minimum of one coach per team must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session of any given season and be present at every practice.

I am not affiliated with a school or community center where the program occurs, can I still coach?

Yes! Community coaches are individuals not directly affiliated with a school or community location who support the Girls on the Run mission. Community coaches are placed according to their geographic location and their availability at sites that need additional coaches. Please select Unassigned for your school selection on the coach registration form and a member of our program team will follow up with you about next steps.

Do I need to come up with lesson plans or workouts?

No! We provide you with training, curriculum and supplies – everything needed to coach a safe, successful season! You should not incur any personal costs to provide the program to your team.

When and how will I get my coaching materials?

Our council provides each program location with the curriculum and supplies needed to facilitate the season. We will contact coaches to arrange pick-up for their team’s materials.

When and where is coach training?

Coach training includes online self-paced training and an in-person training session. We will provide more information about coach training before the season begins.

What is the time commitment of coaching?

Coaches must attend and lead 75 to 90-minute practices twice per week for 10 weeks. To provide a consistent experience to participants, your commitment is crucial to prepare and collaborate with co-coaches to facilitate fun, successful lessons. Each season culminates with a team-led community project and celebratory 5K event.

What is the role of Site Liaison?

The Site Liaison role is the person who will serve as the main point of contact between the GOTR staff and your site. This person can be a coach who also attends practices or someone who serves solely in the Site Liaison role.

When and where are practices held?

Teams may practice at schools, designated parks, and recreation and community centers. The location and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically set in the late afternoon/early evening hours (to accommodate participants after school), but can also take place before school hours or on the weekend.

Can I choose where I coach?

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach. If coaches do not have a preference, you can choose Unassigned, and we will work with you to find a site that needs additional coach support and fits with your schedule/geographic preference.

Can I coach a team with a friend or family member?

Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Each Girls on the Run team is led by two to three trained coaches, but the more coaches on a team, the more girls your site can accomodate. If you would like to coach at an existing site with another applicant, please mention this in your application and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Merci d’envisager d’accepter le rôle vital d’animateur bénévole pour Girls on the Run. Si vous avez toujours des questions sur la façon de débloquer le pouvoir et le potentiel des filles de votre communauté, veuillez communiqu

Thanks for considering the vital role of serving as a volunteer coach for Girls on the Run. If you still have questions about how you can unlock the power and potential girls in your community, please contact us!

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