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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!

No. But here is our policy:

• Two female coaches over the age of 21 must be present at all times.
• A team's Site Liaison must be female.
• All other coaches must be at least 18 years of age.
• Junior Coaches must be at least 16 years of age and female.

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.  Girls on the Run can provide referrals to local organizations we partner with to provide certification training opportunities. Coaches can also get certified on their own. The First Aid/CPR training course curriculum must be equivalent to The American Red Cross, American Heart Association and National Safety Council that includes an in-person skills test and the receipt of a course completion card. Please select the course that includes both adult and child First Aid and CPR training.

Yes! Community coaches are individuals not directly affiliated with a school 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. Shirts will be shipped directly to the team's site location and program supplies will be picked up by one of the coaches at in-person coach training or other coordinated time prior to the season beginning.

Fall 2026 New Coach Training Options (In-Person):

• Saturday, August 15: 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington
• Wednesday, September 2: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Exton Hotel & Conference Center

Fall 2026 Returning Coach Kickoff (Virtual):

• Thursday, August 20: 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. via Zoom

Note: Additional information about new coach training and returning coach kickoff is provided in coach application confirmation emails.

Coaches must attend and lead 90-minute practices twice per week across a 10-week season. 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. The Fall 2026 5K event will be held on Saturday, November 21.

Coaches may indicate where they would like to coach and days/times they are available. If coaches do not have a preference, we will assign them to a location in need of volunteers close to their geographical location.