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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!

All coaches must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session of any given season.

No. But here is our policy:

• At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
• Our Head Coach must be female.
• All other coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.

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 at sites that need additional coaches.

Please note that most teams practice after school in the afternoon and site needs, locations and times vary each season. Although there may be a school in your neighborhood, they may not be in need of any more coaches. We do our very best to match interested volunteers with a site in need. However, we cannot always guarantee an opening that fits all volunteers' locations, schedules and interest.

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. 

Girls on the Run (3rd-5th grades) coaches must attend and lead 90-minute practices twice per week for 10 weeks. Heart & Sole (6th-8th grades) coaches must attend and lead either 90-minute practices twice per week for 10 weeks or a two hour practice once a 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.  

Teams may practice at designated schools, parks, recreation centers and other community sites. The location and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically mid-afternoon immediately after school.

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