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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!

Yes! Coaches are considered “A Community Coach” 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! 

Community Coaches choose schools based on program needs, location, and availability, though placement is not guaranteed. Learn more about the process here.

Coaches are considered “community coach” 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! Community Coaches choose schools based on program needs, location, and availability, though placement is not guaranteed.

Learn more here.

No, people of any gender can be a coach!

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.

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.  

We will provide more information about coach training before the season begins. You may also visit GOTR Learning Acedmy to view and select a training date.

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 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 a volunteer application. While training is not required a background check is. Junior Coaches support the delivery of Girls on the Run programs alongside adult coaches at a program site twice a week for 10 weeks. Junior Coaches receive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience leading activities and lessons while serving as positive role models for younger girls. Through this role, they build leadership skills, foster an inclusive team environment, and earn service hours that support college and career goals.

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). 

Many of our coaches are teachers, admin, other school workers, parents of participants, or otherwise associated with the school. If you are not associated with a school/site then you are a community coach. Community Coaches choose schools based on program needs, location, and availability, though placement is not guaranteed.

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.