Q: Why the Young Age?

A: Studies show that girls between the ages of eight and twelve are still receptive to adult influence, while beginning to feel peer pressure. It is a period in our emotional and intellectual development when we become aware of and begin to recognize important life and relationship issues. In addition, learning to value physical activity early in life increases the likelihood of participants staying physically healthy into adulthood. Studies show that those who develop exercise habits by their teen years are most likely to maintain those habits for life. Regular, moderate exercise improves cardiovascular functioning, reduces the risk of developing breast cancer, osteoporosis and obesity and positively counters the effects of depression and anxiety.

Q: Is it safe for young girls to run the 5K (3.1 mile) distance?
A: Children’s bodies are well suited for endurance exercise, and numerous studies have shown that children show many positive physiological adaptations 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.
-Russell R. Pate, Ph.D., Department of Exercise Science, University of South Carolina

How is the fee determined?

-Our fees are based on our cost to deliver the program.  Girls on the Run International, our parent organization, suggests a fee of $150 to cover all costs associated with the program.  We are currently able to offer the program for $125 (plus $8 online processing fee) due to the ability to cut some expenses.  The following are the costs included in the $125 fee:

Programmatic Costs

-T-shirt

-Race registration for end-of-season 5K

-All materials for lessons

-GOTR water bottle

-Coach’s training and binder

-Curriculum for each coach

-Snacks

Operational Costs

-Liability Insurance

-Fees to national organization

-Council Director salary

-Postage/printing/etc

 Scholarships are offered based on financial need.  Head and assistant coaches are eligible for a reduced fee due to the amount of time and energy that they put into the program.

Does the curriculum change each season?

All GOTR councils are required to follow the curriculum provided by Girls on the Run International.  There are two different Girls on the Run curricula, which cover the same topics but include different games and activities.  There is currently only one Girls on Track curriculum.  Girls will experience the program and take away different concepts each time as they mature and grow.

How are the practice days and times determined?

All of our coaches are volunteers who donate their time to empower young women in their communities.  Each team’s schedule is based on the availability of their coaches.