About Girls on the Run

What is Girls on the Run?

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.

How many girls do you serve annually?

In 2010, almost 6,500 girls from various counties and cities throughout northern Virginia participated in Girls on the Run, or Girls on Track.

Where are locations for the program?

Girls on the Run currently serves approximately 200 public and private schools across Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and Stafford counties, as well as Alexandria City, Falls Church City, Manassas City and Manassas Park public school systems. See our program locations map and list of schools currently offering programs.

Whom does the program serve?

Girls on the Run of serves girls in grades 3-5. Girls on Track serves girls in grades 6-8.

When does the program start?

Programs are offered twice a year in the fall and spring. Fall programs begin in late September following the start of school and conclude in early December. For Spring 2011, the program begins on March 4 and ends on May 20.

How often does the program meet?

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.

How long is each session?

The sessions are approximately 1 hour, to 1 hour and 15 minutes long.

Can you describe a typical session?

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 questions 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.

Why the young age?

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's too late.In addition, learning healthy exercise habits early in life increases the chances that participants 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 the positive peer influences, positive adult role models and the confidence enhancing which are all parts of the GOTR experience.

Are there research studies that measure the effects of GOTR?

Please refer to this 'Journal of School Health' study

Who delivers the program?

Each session is led by trained female 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.

Do girls have to be runners?

No! Girls on the Run of Northern Virginia 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 the workouts, and all girls progress at their own speed.

Do coaches have to be runners?

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.

What does the program cost?

The current program fee in $165. Each season, Girls on the Run of NOVA offers financial assistance to qualifying families and daughters of our volunteer coaches. In the Fall 2010 season, GOTR NOVA provided over $100,000 in financial aid. Financial assistance is available for those qualified registrants who can demonstrate eligibility based on financial need.

What does the program fee include?

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
• Comprehensive insurance
• Participation in the 5K running event
• Healthy snacks
• Water bottle
• Sports bag
• Official GOTR 5K race T-shirt
• 5K Medal

How do I sign up and register a participant?

Check the dates for the open enrollment period in the Enroll section on our website. Open enrollment lasts for one week and is not first come first serve, so there is no need to register as soon as the enrollment period opens; there is ample time for all interested parties to sign up.

Once open enrollment ends, any programs that had more than GOTR NOVA’s maximum of 20 girls sign up are run through an automated lottery and 20 names are selected. These girls are then notified they are confirmed into the program. GOTR NOVA then has an extra time period for late registration. For programs where registration went over capacity and entered a lottery, this week represents an add/drop period- where if a girl drops from that program, all girls who originally registered will be entered into a second random lottery to fill that slot. For programs that are not filled (<20 girls), registration will remain open with a $25 late registration fee.

If you have an outstanding balance from a previous season, your daughter's application will not be considered for the subsequent season until that balance is paid in full. Please contact us at 1-877-749-8831 for assistance with outstanding balances.

Why are programs limited to 20 girls?

Our programs are most effective with 15 to 20 girls since much of the GOTR curriculum is designed to foster team dynamics and active participation in the lessons. We also need to ensure the size of the group is manageable for our coaches. Sites that have more than 20 girls who want to join the program may consider multiple programs if space and resources allow.

For programs where registration went over capacity and entered a lottery, this week represents an add/drop period—where if a girl drops from that program, all girls who originally registered will be entered into a second random lottery to fill that slot. For programs that are not filled (<20 girls), registration will remain open with a $25 late registration fee.

How do I start a GOTR program site?

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.

Is it safe for young girls to run the 5K (3.1 mile) distance?

"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.

How can I help besides coaching?

There are many ways you can help support Girls on the Run of NOVA. Visit our volunteer page for 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 NOVA mission. Girls on the Run NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and donations are tax-deductible for U.S. Residents.