Coach

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.

Two smiling Girls on the Run coaches holding participant

Girls on the run coach holding sign reading intuitive

Smiling Girls on the Run coach and participant

coach quote

“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.”

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Requirements

You must be at least 18 years of age.
Community Coach Application will open in May.
Consent to and complete a background check.
Attend Girls on the Run coach training
Attend all (two) practices per week for a weekly time commitment of approximately 4 hours
Have fun!

Responsibilities

Serve as a role model for program participants
Prepare, organize and supervise weekly lessons
Collaborate with other Coaches for successful lesson delivery
Facilitate communication with parents/guardians of program participants
Participate in the Girls on the Run 5K
Plan and coordinate your team’s end of season party

COACH ATTENDANCE COMMITMENT

As a Coach, you are the heart of our Girls on the Run program. Successful implementation of the program requires Coaches to be present and engaged at both practice sessions each week. Therefore, Coaches who are absent for more than four (4) practices, during one season, will no longer be eligible to coach a Girls on the Run-DC team.

Season Details

The Spring 2025 Season Starts on: Week of March 3rd
The end of season 5K date: Sunday, May 19th.

Help transform and strengthen the next generation

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A Girls on the Run is smiling at the camera wearing a blue program shirt

"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."

Coach Kaylyn

A Girls on the Run coach smiles while holding a program medal at the 5K

"As a coach, I just really realized how important it is to pour into this generation of girls and lift them up."

Coach Shayla

A Girls on the Run program coach smiles at the camera outdoors.

"It’s the girls’ smiles that inspire and motivate me."

Coach Kellie

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why are coaches important?

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?

Almost 100% of girls said their Girls on the Run coaches care about them.
99% of coaches agreed that the coaching experience was valuable for them.
96% of coaches said they felt they formed positive relationships with the girls on their team.
94% of Girls on the Run coaches said they felt like they were making a difference in their girls’ lives.

Do I need to be a runner or athlete to be a coach?

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!

Are coaches all female?

No. Girls on the Run strives to intentionally recruit diverse volunteers to promote a culture of inclusion across the organization. We welcome volunteers who identify as male, female, nonbinary, or gender nonconforming, regardless of their sex assigned at birth.

Do I need to be CPR certified?

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-DC will work with each team to ensure a free online course is available to one coach if no one is currently certified.

I am not affiliated with a school or community center where the program occurs, can I still coach?

Yes! Community Coaches are individuals not directly affiliated with a school or community location who support the mission of Girls on the Run - DC. Community Coaches are placed according to their geographic location and their availability at sites that need additional Coaches.

Do I need to come up with lesson plans or workouts?

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.

When and how will I get my coaching materials?

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.

When and where is coach training?

Coach Training will be a combination of in-person and virtual. New Coaches will complete an online self-paced session and then attend a in-person training with two date and location options.

What is the time commitment of coaching?

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.

When and where are practices held?

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).

Can I choose where I coach?

After submitting your Coach application, Girls on the Run - DC will contact you regarding next steps for choosing from available program sites in need of Coaches!

Merci d’envisager d’accepter le rôle vital d’animateur bénévole pour Girls on the Run. Si vous avez toujours des questions sur la façon de débloquer le pouvoir et le potentiel des filles de votre communauté, veuillez communiqu

Thanks for considering the vital role of serving as a Volunteer Coach for Girls on the Run - DC. If you still have questions about how you can unlock the power and potential for youth in your community, please contact us!

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