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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!

No. While the program serves girls, we welcome coaches of all genders who are committed to positive youth development.

Our coaching staff must meet the following requirements:

• The Head Coach must be female.

• At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at every practice.

• All other coaches must be at least 18 years of age.

• Junior Coaches must be at least 16 years of age.

Absolutely! We encourage team coaching!

Each Girls on the Run team is led by two to three trained coaches, and sometimes includes a Junior Coach. If you would like to coach at an existing site with another applicant, please ensure you both mention each other and the specific site in your application. We will do our best to accommodate all mutual requests!

The total time commitment is approximately 30–40 hours over the 8-week (GOTR) or 9-week (H&S) season, including training and preparation.

This commitment includes:

• GOTR: Attending two 90-minute practices per week (a total of 16 practices).

• H&S: Attending one 120-minute practices per week (a total of 9 practices).

• Participating in the end-of-season 5k event.

Yes, you may indicate your preferred coaching site during the application process.

Placement Policy:

• If you have no preference, we will assign you to a location that is most in need of a coach.

• We typically try to base assignments on the closest location to your home or work to ensure the greatest convenience for our dedicated volunteers.

Yes, absolutely! We welcome Community Coaches, individuals who are not directly affiliated with a program's host school or community center but are committed to the Girls on the Run mission.

Community Coaches are placed at sites that need additional support based on their geographic location and availability.

Practice Locations: Practice locations are approved prior to participant registration each season. While most programs are held at schools in the community (our primary locations), teams may also practice at designated parks, recreation and community centers, or specific homes.

Practice Times: Practice times are typically set immediately after school to best accommodate participants:

• Girls on the Run (GOTR) (Grades 3-5): Typically 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM

• Heart & Sole (H&S) (Grades 6-8): Typically 2:45 PM – 4:45 PM

No! We provide you with comprehensive training, curriculum, and all necessary supplies, everything needed to coach a safe and successful season! As a coach, you should not incur any personal costs to provide the program to your team.

Mandatory coach training consists of two components:

1. Online Training (Self-Paced): Approximately 4 hours of self-paced modules to be completed through the Learning Academy.

2. In-Person Training (Required): A 3-hour session held at our office located at 636 N. Colorado St., Kennewick, WA 99336. These sessions are typically scheduled in February and early March.

Attendance Policy:

• New Coaches: Attendance at one in-person session is mandatory and is a one-time requirement.

• Returning Coaches: You do not need to attend the in-person training again. However, if you would like a refresher, please contact us to request attendance.

Your Council provides each program location with the full curriculum and all necessary supplies needed to facilitate the season.

Method: We will contact you directly via email to arrange the pick-up or distribution of your team’s materials. This usually occurs right after the mandatory coach training is complete.

No, not every coach needs to be certified.

Policy: A minimum of one coach per team must have current CPR and First Aid certification on file with the GOTR Council by the first session of the season. This certified coach must be present at every practice and the end-of-season 5K event.

(Note: We encourage all coaches to consider getting certified for the safety of their teams.)

Junior Coaches are high school volunteers who support the adult coaching team.

Requirements (See the Junior Coach page for a full list):

• Junior Coaches must be between the ages of 16 and 18.

• They must successfully complete the application process, which includes a signed waiver and a reference.

• They must complete both online and in-person training.

• Junior Coaches are assigned to a team in addition to the required two to three coaches who are 18 years of age or older.

Role: Junior Coaches serve as role models and developing leaders, actively supporting the adult coaches and mentoring the participants. They gain valuable leadership experience while inspiring the next generation.