Running Buddies
Want to get involved with Girls on the Run®, but don't have a lot of time?
Sign up to be a Running Buddy and help a girl cross the finish line of her first 5k!
It is very important that you read all the details on this page before submitting your interest in becoming a Running Buddy.
Share a girl's exhilaration and excitement as she crosses the finish line of her first 5k. For many girls, this is the biggest challenge and biggest accomplishment of Girls on the Run®. And one of their favorite parts is having their very own Running Buddy by their side!
During the 10-week program, Girls on the Run participants slowly build up endurance and stamina as the running games they play gradually increase the amount of running they do. They've learned to pace themselves with walking and running, set goals, and feel proud about what they accomplish. Girls on the Run participants top off their experience by running or walking in a 5k event at the end of the program.
The goal of the 5k is for the girls to do their best and HAVE FUN! The girls are not encouraged to race competitively but are encouraged to reach their own goals. For most girls, that means making it to the finish line whether it is by walking, running or skipping!
Qualities of a Running Buddy:
Ability to train for and run or jog 5K (3.1 miles). Must also be enthusiastic, fun, patient, supportive, motivated and kid friendly.
Running Buddy Volunteer Description:
The job of a Running Buddy is to accompany and encourage one or two girls through her 5K experience at the New Balance Girls on the Run 5K on Saturday, April 24th at Kiwanis Park in Tempe. That means running or walking at her pace and encouraging her to do her best, but also recognizing and respecting her limits. The young girl(s) will dictate the pace at which you run, and your job is to stay with your buddy, motivate her through the tough times and praise her for her efforts.
IMPORTANT: Please note, in addition to registering to become a Running Buddy on the GOTR site, you must also register in advance for the Race. Running Buddies are responsible for registering in advance for the final 5k and paying their own race fee which is $20 for GOTR Running Buddies who register in advance of the race. (Instructions for registering will be provided upon acceptance as a Buddy. Please do not register for the race until you receive these instructions).
RUNNING BUDDY APPLICATION PROCESS:
Registration Dates: Registration has commenced. All are welcome to apply to be a Buddy.
If you are a Coach, Parent, Teacher or Friend of a Runner, and want to be specifically paired with one of the girls, you must register to be a Running Buddy by March 29th, 2010. All other interested Buddies are encouraged to register at your earliest convenience so that we can guarantee you a spot and be sure that each girl has a Buddy.
Complete this online application. Parents and returning Running Buddies, you will note that you can stop after entering your contact information, site and pace preferences.
However, you must enter on the application that you are a Girls on the Run parent or a returning running buddy otherwise your application will be returned for completion.
Prefer a paper application? If you are a NEW Running Buddy,
click here for a version you can print out and complete manually. If you are a returning Running Buddy, Coach, Parent or Sibling of one of the girls,
click here for a shorter version of the application to print and complete manually. If you do not have an email address you must provide a telephone number for confirmation and further details. We cannot approve a Running Buddy without contact information.
Please return completed paper applications via mail/fax/e-mail to:
Shelley Campbell
4208 E Desert Marigold Dr
Cave Creek, AZ 85331
Fax: 480-556-1020
Email:
CONFIRMATION NOTICE: Once you register as a Running Buddy, you will receive confirmation via email that you are approved as a Running Buddy. If you do not receive this confirmation within one (1) week, please email to follow up. It is extremely important that you write legibly and accurately to ensure we are able to communicate all follow-up details. Your application does not guarantee your approval as a Running Buddy, only confirmation will.
If you commit to be a buddy but have to cancel, we ask that you please notify us as soon as possible so that we have time to find a replacement Buddy for your girl. Girls on the Run cannot guarantee the attendance of your girl buddy at the 5K, although we make every effort to ensure that all girls do their best to attend.