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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!

We welcome all adults who are committed to ensuring girls reach their limitless potential! 

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

All GOTRGK Coaches must have CPR and First Aid certification on file by the first session of any given season. GOTRGK will provide the training at no cost to you! 

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. We will coordinate with our site liaisons to pick-up each team's materials before the start of the season. 

Coach training includes online self-paced training and an in-person training session. In-person trainings will be offered in February 2024 at the GOTR Office. (3901 Emerald Dr, Kalamazoo) Coaches will select ONE of the following sessions: 

• Friday, February 9th from 9am-12p
• Saturday, February 10th from 8:30am-11:30am
• Tuesday February 13th from 5:30-8:30pm

Coaches must complete all required training prior to the start of the season. During the season, coaches will attend two 90-minute practices per week for 10 weeks. (Allowing an additional 15 minutes prior to practice for setup and 15 minutes after practice for cleanup and girl pick-up). 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 impact project and celebratory 5K event.  

Schools and times are approved prior to participant registration each season. Practice times are typically Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday after school. 

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach during the coach application. If coaches do not have a preference, we will assign them to a location in need. 

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