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.
Check out our Junior Coach program for high school girls!
“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.”
"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."
"As a coach, I just really realized how important it is to pour into this generation of girls and lift them up."
"It’s the girls’ smiles that inspire and motivate me."
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?
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!
No. But here is our policy:
You are not required to particpate in the 5K but you can walk, run, walk, hop, or skip along with your program participants. Many of our coaches are not runners and choose to walk the 5K. The GOTR 5K is an experience you won't want to miss!!
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.
GOTR NWI offers an online course for CPR/First Aid Training at a cost of $35 or you can go to an approved CPR training class of your choice.
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 according to their geographic location and their availability at sites that need additional coaches.
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. Coaches will be able to pick-up their materials at any of our coach training days prior to season start.
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.
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 an application and training. They are role models and developing leaders who support the adult coaches and mentor the team.
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).
Yes, any High schoolers under the age of 16 can fill out the Team Helper application.
Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach. If coaches do not have a preference, we will assign them to a location that best fits their schedule and location.
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.
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!
Want to get involved with Girls on the Run, but can't commit to serving as a coach right now? We have opportunities for everyone!
Love what you learned about our program and coaches? Sign your girl up today!