Learn the answers to some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) about our program.
Where are locations for the program?
How often does the program meet?
Can you describe a typical session?
Do coaches have to be runners?
What does the program fee include?
How do I sign up and register a participant?
Why are programs limited to 20 girls?
How do I start a GOTR program site?
Is it safe for young girls to run the 5K (3.1 mile) distance?
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, playing games, and discussing 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.
Girls on the Run currently serves 200 public and private schools across Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties, as well as Alexandria City and Falls Church City public school systems. See our program locations map and schools listing.
Girls on the Run of serves girls in grades 3-5. Girls on Track serves girls in grades 6-8.
Programs are offered twice a year in the fall and spring. Fall programs begin 1-2 weeks following the start of school and conclude in early December. Spring programs begin in early March and conclude in mid-late May (before Memorial Day).
Girls on the Run and Girls on Track programs are conducted in 10-12 week sessions. Participants meet twice a week before or after school. The program does not meet on days that public schools are not in session or on early release days.
The sessions are approximately 1 hour, to 1 hour and 15 minutes long.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 application form for more information.
The current program fee is $165, however no girl is ever turned away due to financial need. Girls whose families participate the Virginia Free/Reduced Lunch program are charged a reduced fee, and additional accommodations can be reached with the Girls on the Run of NOVA Executive Director as needed.
The program fee includes the following items. You must provide your own transportation to and from the sessions and 5K running event.
• Lessons conducted by certified GOTR® coaches
• Comprehensive insurance
• Participation in the 5K running event
• Healthy snacks
• Water bottle
• Official GOTR T-shirt
• Official GOTR 5K race T-shirt
Check the dates for the open enrollment period in the Enroll section on our web site. Open enrollment lasts for one week 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.
Due to the incredible interest in the Girls on the Run program in Northern Virginia - and the need to limit enrollment to a maximum of 20 girls - the first step in the registration process is to go online and sign up for a program lottery. At this time, you will be asked to select the program site (usually a school) you want to join, a session day and time if more than one Girls on the Run program is offered at your school, as well as preliminary credit card information.
GOTR NOVA will notify all registrants of the lottery results by email. The 20 randomly selected registrants for each program will receive instructions on how to complete the program enrollment process and pay online. Those not selected for the lottery will be notified by email as well.
Any program that has fewer than 10 girls register for the lottery will be cancelled for this season and program registrants will be notified by email of the cancellation. Unfortunately once a program is cancelled the registrants will not have the option to enroll in another program.
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.
If there is no GOTR program at your school or nearby, you can launch one. Each program requires a minimum of 10 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.
"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.
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, and our volunteer application form. We are also seeking individuals and local companies to sponsor a program or girl at a school, as well as sponsors for our bi-annual 5K running events. Visit our sponsor page for details. Please consider making an online donation using your credit card to support the Girls on the Run of NOVA mission. Girls on the Run of NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) and donations are tax-deductible for U.S. residents.