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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 here is our policy:

• At least one female coach over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
• Our Head Coach must be female.
• All other coaches and assistant coaches must be at least 18 years of age.

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 experience this season. GOTR's National Coach Training (NCT) program lays the foundation for the quality of the program and continued positive outcomes. Our 5-hour, in-person training 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 and trauma-sensitive coaching as well as learn specific strategies to foster a safe, supportive environment for all girls. 

The definitions below of New Coach vs. Veteran Coach to determine the  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 online NCT modules 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 training sessions. Total Time Commitment: 2 hours online modules + 3.5 hours in-person training + 45-minute preseason virtual meeting

New Coach In-Person NCT Training Options:

1.) February 1st, 5:30-9pm at KSU Office Park, 1880 Kimball Ave, Manhattan

2.) February 6th, 5:30-9pm at SpringHill Suites, Southwest 2745 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka

3.)February 8th, 5:30-9pm at KSU Office Park, 1880 Kimball Ave, Manhattan

VETERAN COACH - Anyone who HAS previously attended NCT, a 5-hour 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

All Coaches must virtually attend our Spring Season kickoff meeting on Feb. 13th from 7:00-7:45PM in which we will provide coaches with council and season specific information. 

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! The more, the merrier! 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.