How can I start a Girls on the Run of Atlanta site in my school or community center?

Click here for Site Application and Start-up Procedure

Step 1-Identify a location to host the program.

Our programs run for 12 weeks, meet 1x per week for 1 ½ hours. Most of our programs are run at schools, YMCA’s or similar venues. The program location is responsible for providing:

• A contact person at the site to coordinate with GOTR Atlanta. This person can be a site employee or a parent.
• The site coordinator will be responsible for distributing registration forms to all girls in the 3rd -5th grade and collecting program fees.
• 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 (gym, covered outdoor area, hallway, etc.)
• Provide at least two coaches to be trained by GOTR. Aditional coaches may be available from GOTR Atlanta’s pool of volunteers.

Step 2 - Attend Coach’s Training

All of our coaches take part in a GOTR 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 a minimum of two coaches at each site and a ratio of 1 coach to every 8 girls.

Each coach must:

• Attend a 6 hour Coaches’ Training. A background check will be required of all Coaches along with CPR/first aid certification
• Attend a pre/mid/post season Coaches’ Meetings.
• 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 3 - Complete all paperwork

Every program site is provided with a recruitment brochure, sign-up forms, and a letter of agreement, which must be signed by the site coordinator. The GOTR Site Coordinator is responsible for:

• Signing and returning the Letter of Agreement to the GOTR- Atlanta office

Distributing the regitration brochures to 3rd- 5th grade girls

Collecting completed registration forms and fees (cash or check).

Important: The site is responsible for making sure all paperwork is completed and collecting program fees.

Step 4 - Have a GREAT program!

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