Starting a Program
GOTR offers a life-changing experiential learning curriculum for 3-5 grade girls. The after school sessions combine self-esteem enhancing lessons and uplifting workouts with training for a non-competitive 5K (3.1 mile) running event. Volunteer coaches lead their groups through a very specific character building curriculum teaching well-defined social and personal skills. GOTR-Chicago is committed to making this opportunity available to more girls throughout the area each year. We provide almost everything needed to run the program.
Interested in getting a Girls on the Run program started at your school?
If you would like to begin the process of starting a new site with GOTR-Chicago, please read our information packet and download our application. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our Program Manager at programs@gotrchicago.org or via phone at 312-266-8200. We accept applications on a rolling basis.
Please note that GOTR is rapidly expanding and we are doing our best to accommodate as many new site requests as possible. Unfortunately, it may not be feasible to start a site, due to funding and staff limitations.
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In order to be considered as a GOTR-Chicago program site, you will have to agree to do the following:
Provide a Site Coordinator. They are responsible for collecting registration forms and fees, distributing program and race information, and we count on site coordinators to promote GOTR in their school.
The Site Coordinator, or another school representative must attend a New Program Information Session prior to beginning a GOTR program.
Collect individual program fees (paid to school or program site) and promptly pay GOTR upon receipt of invoice.
Provide a safe place for running. This does not have to be a track. A field or parking lot is fine. However, there would be a need to measure off part of the area for occasions when lessons require running a certain distance, e.g. 1 mile, 3K, etc.
Provide a rainy day site (classroom, gym, etc.)
Choose two days a week for meeting one hour each lesson.
Provide two or three coaches to be trained by GOTR. Coaches must be female adults. In some cases, GOTR is able to assist in finding, or provide, volunteer coaches. |
Group Size
We prefer a minimum of 8 girls and limit each group to a maximum of 16 girls. Because much of our curriculum is related to team building and group dynamics, fewer than 8 girls may make it difficult to provide the experience we want to offer to the girls. More than 16 girls make it difficult to establish the group rapport and the depth of community we are seeking.
Timing and Length of Session
We currently have two sessions of Girls on the Run each year.
Fall Session, which begins in early September and runs for 10-12 weeks, meeting twice a week, ends in early November with the Fall Wondergirl 5K. To begin a session at your site in the fall, planning should begin in early spring and be finalized before school ends in June.
Spring Session, which usually begins in March and runs for 10 weeks meeting twice a week, ends in early June with the Wondergirl 5K. To begin a session at your site in the spring, planning should begin in late fall and should be finalized no later than mid-January.
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