Start a Site

How to Start a Girls on the Run Site

Step One:

Identify a location to host the program. Most of our programs are run at schools, neighborhood clubs, YMCA’s or similar venues. The program location is responsible for providing:

  • A Site Coordinator: This is a contact person at the site that promotes the program and facilitates registration at the site with informational flyers, posters and registration forms provided by GOTR. This person is the liaison between GOTR of the Rockies, the site, parents and coaches.coordinator to distribute registration forms to all girls and to collect program fees. A contact person at the site to coordinate with GOTR of Denver: a site coordinator
  • A safe place for running. Note: This does not have to be a track, a field is acceptable. However, it is necessary to measure off part of that area on occasions when lessons require running at certain distances, (e.g. 1 mile, 3k)
  • A rain site (classroom, gym, etc.)
  • Meeting space – twice a week, one hourto one and a half hours per lesson
  • GOTR of the Rockies agreed upon program fee
  • Provide two volunteer coaches(parents, faculty, staff) to be trained by GOTR:  This is an extremely rewarding opportunity and does not require experience as a runner or coach. It only requires the desire to make a difference in the lives of young girls.

Complete site application and return to Girls on the Run of the Rockies by deadline date. The site application has all the information on scholarship qualifications for a site.

Need help recruiting coaches? See our Coaches Needed Flyer.

Please note that GOTR is rapidly expanding and we are doing our best to accommodate as many new site requests as possible. Unfortunately, it may not be feasible to start a site, due to funding and staff limitations.

Step Two:

Attend Coach Training. All of our coaches are CPR certified and take part in an intensive, day- long training session before the program begins. The training seminar is based upon a well developed and researched curriculum used successfully by local and national GOTR programs.

We require two coaches at each site. Each coach must:

  • Become CPR certified
  • Attend a full day Coaches’ Training
  • Attend a pre-season Coach Orientation
  • Meet organizational and reporting deadlines throughout the season
  • Prepare for and supervise all lessons in a manner consistent with the GOTR International philosophy and curriculum
  • Run with the girls in the end of season 5k race/walk

Step Three:

Complete all paperwork. Every program site is provided with registration materials, program marketing materials – flyers for take-home folders, posters, and information to include in school newsletter

The program site is responsible for:

  • Distributing the flyers to girls, promoting program to generate registration
  • Collecting registration forms and fees or promoting online registration-where available- for a minimum of 8 girls and a maximum of 16 girls
  • Sending program fees to the GOTR of the Rockies office
  • Providing the GOTR Coaches with a complete roster of all program participants on the first day of the program

Important: The site is responsible for making sure all paperwork is completed and collecting program fees-except where online registration is available.

Step Four:

Have a GREAT program! The program culminates with the running of a 5K (3.1 mile) running event. GOTR of the Rockies encourages as much site participation in this event as possible. All are welcome to come out and walk, run, and cheer your girls on!