coach quote

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!

Not at all, we welcome male coaches and value the diverse role models they add to our teams. We require that at least one female coach be present at all times.

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.

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.

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.

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.  

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; you may see scheduled dates in "Requirements" section above. 

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.  

In addition to the three coaches who are 18 years of age or older, some teams may also have a few high school helpers. These are high school volunteers between the ages of 14-18 who complete a Junior Helper application. They are role models and developing leaders who support the adult coaches by assisting with lesson set up, running with the girls, and helping coaches as needed. They do not complete a formal coach training and do not lead any portions of the curriculum.

Teams may practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers, and schools. 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) and are scheduled on non-consecutive days.

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach. If coaches do not have a preference, we will assign them to a location in need. 

Absolutely! The more, the merrier! Each Girls on the Run team is led by at least three trained coaches. 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.