Girls on the Run – Washington, D.C.
FAQ’s
Q: Why the Young Age?
A: Studies show that girls between the ages of eight and twelve are still receptive to adult influence, while beginning to feel peer pressure. It is a period in our emotional and intellectual development when we become aware of and begin to recognize important life and relationship issues. In addition, learning to value physical activity early in life increases the likelihood of participants staying physically healthy into adulthood. Studies show that those who develop exercise habits by their teen years are most likely to maintain those habits for life. Regular, moderate exercise improves cardiovascular functioning, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, osteoporosis and obesity and positively counters the effects of depression and anxiety.
Q: Is it safe for young girls to run the 5K (3.1 mile) distance?
A: Children’s bodies are well suited for endurance exercise, and numerous studies have shown that children show many positive physiological adaptations to endurance exercise training. The keys are gradual progression and common-sense adult supervision. If those conditions are met, running 3 miles is a reasonable goal for most young people.
-Russell R. Pate, Ph.D., Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina
Studies show that girls between the ages of eight and twelve are still receptive to adult influence, while beginning to feel peer pressure. It is a period in our emotional and intellectual development when we become aware of and begin to recognize important life and relationship issues. In addition, learning to value physical activity early in life increases the likelihood of participants staying physically healthy into adulthood. Studies show that those who develop exercise habits by their teen years are most likely to maintain those habits for life. Regular, moderate exercise improves cardiovascular functioning, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, osteoporosis and obesity and positively counters the effects of depression and anxiety.
Children’s bodies are well suited for endurance exercise, and numerous studies have shown that children show many positive physiological adaptations to endurance exercise training. The keys are gradual progression and common-sense adult supervision. If those conditions are met, running 3 miles is a reasonable goal for most young people.
-Russell R. Pate, Ph.D., Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina
Girls on the Run is an after school program that uses the power of running to help prepare girls for a lifetime of self-respect and healthy living. Through interactive activities such as running and playing games to discuss important issues, participants learn how to celebrate being girls. The girls also train together to walk or run in a 5K (3.1 mile) event.
Girls on the Run serves girls in grades 3-5. Girls on Track serves girls in grades 6-8.
Teams meet twice a week just before or just after school, over the course of 10 weeks. The program does not meet on days that public schools are not in session or on early days.
The sessions are approximately 1 hour, to 1 hour and 15 minutes long.
Each session focuses on a specific issue-related topic, which is incorporated into the activities and games planned for the lesson. The coaches begin the lesson by introducing and explaining the day’s topic. The girls then warm up their muscles with a brief interactive running activity or game. Then, the girls stretch and further discuss how the activity related to the topic. Next, the girls perform the workout, which primarily consists of running laps but also integrates the topic of the day. For example, the girls may have to answer a question about the day’s topic each time they complete a lap. The lesson ends with stretching, reviewing what the girls learned that day, a group cheer, and a snack.
Studies show that girls between the ages of eight and twelve are still receptive to adult influence, while beginning to feel peer pressure. It’s an age psychologists call the latency period of development when girls begin to confront important life and relationship issues. As a prevention program, Girls on the Run initiates healthy decision-making about difficult issues and really talking to their parents/caretakers before it is too late. In addition, learning healthy exercise habits early in life increases the chances that the participant will value their own physical fitness as adults. Recent studies show that only those who develop exercise habits in their teen years or earlier are likely to maintain those habits for life. It’s well documented that regular, moderate exercise improves cardiovascular functioning, and reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, osteoporosis (brittle bones), and obesity. In addition, girls of this age are more open to positive peer influences, positive adult role models and the confidence enhancing which are all parts of the GORT experience.
Please refer to this ‘Journal of School Health’ study.
Each session is led by trained coaches that volunteer their time to guide and mentor girls through a fun and uplifting program. Coaches are trained in the GOTR curriculum, undergo a background check, and are CPR certified.
No! Girls on the Run DC is for EVERYONE—even those who don’t like to run. The program is non-competitive and focuses on developing healthy, positive self-images in the participants. Girls are encouraged to walk or run the laps during workouts, and all girls progress at their own speed.
No! Anyone with a desire to work with girls of this age group, and enjoys physical exercise is welcome to apply to be a volunteer coach. Please see the coaching job description and volunteer coach interest form for more information.
The program fee includes the following items. You must provide your own transportation to and from the sessions and the 5K running event.
- Lessons conducted by certified GOTR coaches
- Participation in the 5K running event
- Water bottle
- Sports bag
- Official GOTR 5K race T-shirt
- 5K Medal
If there is no GOTR program at your school or nearby, you can launch one. Each program requires a minimum of 8 participants per site and is limited to a maximum of 20. A site is usually a school, but can also be a community center or other location with facilities suitable for a running program. For more information, complete the Site Application Form.
“Children’s bodies are well suited for endurance exercise, and numerous studies have shown that children show many positive physiological adaptation to endurance exercise training. The keys are gradual progression and common-sense adult supervision. If those conditions are met, running 3 miles is a reasonable goal for most young people,” says Russell R. Pate, Ph.D., with the Department of Exercise Science at the University of South Carolina. The girls are not pressured to run, rather they are encouraged to run or walk according to their current level of fitness with emphasis on improving endurance and form.
There are many ways you can help support Girls on the Run DC. Visit our volunteer page for a list of volunteer opportunities throughout the season.
We are also seeking individuals and local companies to sponsor a program or a school, as well as sponsors for our bi-annual 5K running events. Visit our sponsor page for more details. Please consider making an online donation using your credit card to support the Girls on the Run DC mission. Girls on the Run DC is a non-profit 501(c) (3) and donations are tax-deductible for U.S. residents.
