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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!

A minimum of one coach per team must have a current CPR and First Aid certification per team. Coaches are encouraged to communicate to determine who is certified or who will become certified. Council Staff is able to assist this process. *The certified coach must also plan to attend every practice. 

No, but at least one female coach must attend all practices and be present at all times.

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! Our patent, evidence-based curriculum includes all the lesson plans AND workouts for each and every practice. We provide you with all the training, curriculum and supplies – everything needed to coach a safe, successful season. Coaches should never incur any personal costs in coaching a team of girls.

Our council provides every team with the curriculum and all the supplies and materials needed to facilitate the season. Council staff will coordinate team supply distrubition each season.  Additionally, many coaching resources will also be made available to coaches online with access granted by council staff upon coach application approval.

We are committed to equipping our coaches with the skills and knowledge they’ll need to lead girls through a transformative and empowering Girls on the Run experience. GOTR's National Coach Training (NCT) program lays the foundation for the quality of the program and continued positive outcomes. NCT is a 3-hour, in-person training that prepares new coaches to create a safe and inclusive space where girls can thrive. Topics include how to facilitate the GOTR curriculum, GOTR policies & procedures, trauma-sensitive coaching and strategies to foster a safe, supportive environment for all girls. 

Please read the definitions below regarding a New Coach vs. Veteran Coach to determine your training requirement.

NEW COACH - Anyone who has NOT previously attended our in-person NCT training facilitated by GOTR of the Flint Hills or completed the 5-hour online NCT modules (only) offered during the COVID pandemic.

New Coach Training Requirement: 

Complete the pre-training online modules prior to attending one of our offered NCT in-person, 3-hour training sessions. Total Time Commitment: 2 hours online modules + 3 hours in-person training + 45 minute preseason virtual meeting

3 New Coach Training Options: 

1.) Manhattan - August 28th, 5-8pm at KSU Office Park, 1880 Kimball Ave, Manhattan
2.) Topeka - August 30th, 5:30-8:30pm at the Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Ave. We will be in the Marvin Auditorium, 101B (located on the main floor across from Chandler Booktique)
3.) Manhattan - September 5th, 5-8pm at KSU Office Park, 1880 Kimball Ave, Manhattan

VETERAN COACH - Anyone who HAS previously coached under GOTR of the Flint Hills AND attended NCT in-person training facilitated by GOTR of the Flint Hills or completed the 5-hour online NCT modules offered during the COVID pandemic.

Veteran Coach Training Requirement:

Complete the online NCT continuing education modules for GOTR coaches. Total Time Commitment: 2 hours online + 45 minute preseason virtual meeting

Fall Season Season Virtual Kickoff Meeting Tuesday, September 5th 8:00 to 8:45PM

Coaches will join us virtually to kick off the season with 30 minutes of season specific information followed by 15 minutes of Q&A. (Coaches who are attending the NCT in-person training option that day from 5-8pm will stay and join us for this meeting in person.) 

All components listed above are required for coaches. Those who do not complete these requirements will not be allowed to coach for the season. Thank you for understanding and supporting our commitment to ensuring our coaches have the skills, knowledge and support to fulfill their coaching role.   

Upon completing our National Coach Training program, coaches will commit to attending their team's twice weekly, 90-minute practices for the entire 10-week season. To provide a consistent experience to our teams and girls, 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 (facilitated during a regular practice day) and Celebratory 5K event.  

In addition to the 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 their schools, parks, and recreation/community centers. The location and times are set on a structured schedule in which teams meet the same day and time each week for practices, typically right after school. 

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

Absolutely! 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.