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.

Are you between 16-18 years old and interested in coaching?

Check out our Junior Coach program for high school girls!

Learn More

Two smiling Girls on the Run coaches holding participant

Girls on the run coach with a girl running the Girls on the Run 5K

Smiling Girls on the Run coach and participant

Are you between 16-18 years old and interested in coaching?

Check out our Junior Coach program for high school girls!

Learn More

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.”

<ul> <li>Vous devez avoir au moins 18 ans.</li> <li>Remplissez notre candidature d’animateur.</li> <li>Consentez à une vérification des antécédents et fourni

Requirements

18 years or older
Complete Program Volunteer Registration form (Click "Sign Up" above)
Facilitate the 10-week curriculum two days per week
Complete a background check every two years
Complete Mandated Reporter training
Complete up to 10 hours of Coach Training
Become CPR (AED) and First Aid certified—at least one Coach at each practice must be CPR (AED) and First Aid certified
Time Commitment:
- Complete up to 10 hours of Coach Training before starting your season.
- Lead practice two times per week for 75-90 minutes (approximately 4 hours per week during the 10-week season; after-school hours)
- Attend the end-of-season celebratory 5K with your team (typically a half-day commitment).
View a detailed list of training requirements here.

Responsibilities

Recruit team members
Communicate and collaborate with your Site Liaison and Coaches to arrange site logistics: practice times, program materials, end-of-season event details, etc.
Arrive on time and prepared for each practice; familiar with the lesson and materials needed for activities
Assure safety for program participants: adhere to Girls on the Run-Chicago and site policies, take accurate attendance at each practice, ensure that all girls are properly released after each practice
Communicate concisely and reliably with program participants and their families regarding program and season progress
Provide a positive end-of-season 5K for participants

Season Details

Teams can select from three timeframe waves to host programming.

Spring 2024 Wave Starts:

Wave 1: Week of March 4-8 – Week of May 6-10
Wave 2: Week of March 11-15 – Week of May 13-17
Wave 3: Week of March 18-22 – Week of May 20-24

In Spring 2024, we are offering three ways to 5K:

Girls on the Run-Chicago 5K - GOTRC will host a large-scale 5K in Chicago’s Grant Park. The date is TBD, but potential dates are May 11, May 18, or June 1. If you would like to participate in this event, select Wave 1 to ensure your team will be fully trained.
Small-scale site-based 5K - Your coaching team will plan and host a small-scale 5K in your community (e.g., your school or community center, neighborhood park, etc.). Girls on the Run-Chicago will provide 5K materials and volunteer support.
CARA Go Run - A limited number of teams can participate in a CARA Go Run, which are hosted on Saturdays in neighborhoods throughout Chicago. Girls on the Run-Chicago will provide 5K materials and volunteer support.

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!

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

Yes! Coaches are considered “unaffiliated” when they don’t work directly with a school where our programming is offered. If you are a community member, a school district employee, or a volunteer who wants to coach, this information applies to you!

Unaffiliated coaches are matched to schools based on school need for coach support, and the volunteer’s availability/location. Because of this, please be aware that there is a likelihood that you won’t be placed at a school. Learn more about the process here.

What does "unaffiliated coach" mean?

Coaches are considered “unaffiliated” when they don’t work directly with a school where our programming is offered. If you are a community member, a school district employee, or a volunteer who wants to coach, this information applies to you! Unaffiliated coaches are matched to schools based on school need for coach support, and the volunteer’s availability/location. Because of this, please be aware that there is a likelihood that you won’t be placed at a school.

Learn more here.

Are coaches all female?

No, people of any gender can be a coach!

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.

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?

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 junior coaches?

In addition to the two to three coaches who are 18 years of age or older, some teams may also have a Junior Coach assigned. Junior Coaches are high school volunteers between the ages 16-18 who complete an application and training. They are role models and developing leaders who support the adult coaches and mentor the team.

When and where are practices held?

Teams may practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers, homes 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).

Can I choose where I coach?

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.

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, and sometimes a Junior Coach. 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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