Girls on the Run

Be in the know with this season’s details for 3rd-5th graders and register today!

Register Locations
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Girls on the Logo
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Two Girls on the Run participants smile at the camera while running at an outdoor practice in yellow shirts

Fall 2023 Season Details

Thank you for your interest in Girls on the Run programming. Registration for the Fall 2023 season is NOW OPEN for kids in 3rd through 5th grade.

We'll pilot a Heart & Sole program for 6th graders in Spring 2024. More information will come later this year.

Overview-Shared

Overview
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  • NEW: We have transitioned to a lottery registration system. You can read our lottery registration FAQ here. 
    • Lottery Registration Period: Monday, August 14 to Friday, August 25 at 9:00 a.m.
    • At the time of registration, your card will be charged.
    • The computer-generated lottery will run on Friday, August 25.
    • Those selected will be notified via email.
    • Those NOT selected will be notified via email and will receive a refund.
    • Registration will re-open at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 26 on a first-come, first-served basis at sites under capacity and for the waiting list at sites that are at capacity. Registration will close on Friday, September 8.
  • Our Fall 2023 season will begin the week of September 11 but the exact date varies by site so please pay attention to each site's details.
  • Our standard schedule is to practice 2x a week for 10 weeks.
  • Most sites will end their seasons by November 18. 
  • Our season-culminating 5K this season will be site-based 5Ks from October 30 to November 17. Details about your team's 5K plans will be provided once the season starts. 
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Fin-Aid - Shared 2

Financial Aid

We are committed to ensuring access for all participants, regardless of their financial situation. We use a sliding scale for families to determine the discounted rate for each participant. Families are also able to set up payment plans, if needed.

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  • August 14

    Lottery Registration Opens

  • August 25

    Lottery Registration Closes

    The computer-generated lottery will run on Friday, August 25. Those selected AND not selected will be notified via email.

  • August 26

    Registration will re-open at 9:00 am on Saturday, August 26 on a first-come, first-served basis at sites under capacity and for the waiting list at sites that are at capacity.

  • September 8

    Registration Closes

  • September 11

    Fall 2023 Season Starts 

    Exact start date varies by site.

  • October 30 - November 17

    Fall 2023 Site-Based 5Ks

Reg fees - SHARED

Registration Fees

Building confidence and setting young girls down the path of a healthy lifestyle is PRICELESS! However, there are real costs associated with operating a non-profit organization and delivering the Girls on the Run program to approximately 1,000 girls in Eastern Iowa area each year. Our actual operating cost per girl is over $270. The program registration is $170 per participant and includes:

  • 20 seventy-five to ninety-minute sessions conducted by certified GOTR volunteer coaches
  • Curriculum and lesson materials
  • A healthy snack at each session
  • Official GOTR T-shirt and water bottle
  • 5K Registration fee
  • 5K Medal
  • Post-5K celebration

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My child isn't a big runner. Is this program for them? OR My child is already a skilled runner. Is this program for them?

Yes! We are much more than a running program. Every participant can benefit from the experience of building confidence through accomplishment while participating in our rich, curriculum-based, age-appropriate, interactive lessons. Expect lots of games, talking, laughing, and processing in addition to running at each practice. And know that when we say run, we mean run, walk, skip, roll, or push — just as long as you are moving foward!

My child is in 6th grade. Can they participate in Girls on the Run?

Girls on the Run is for kids in 3rd through 5th grade. We'll pilot a Heart & Sole program for 6th graders in Spring 2024. More information on this will come later this year.

What does the program fee include?

Though our cost per particpant is $270, through generous donors we're able to offer the 10-week, 20-lesson program for $170. Your program registration fee includes all lesson materials, including GOTR curriculum, activity sheets, lap counters and more; a GOTR t-shirt; a bib entry into the season-ending 5K; a finisher's medal; a GOTR water bottle; and a healthy snack at every practice.

We can't afford the program registration fee, but our child would love to participate. How does the scholarship program work?

Don't let cost stop you from participating! We are committed to making Girls on the Run accessible to all who want to particpate! Thanks to generous donors and community supporters, program scholarships are available to any family who needs it, and we can also provide appropriate running shoes and attire if necessary. The online registration form will walk you through a few questions to find the fee that is right for your family based on a sliding scale.

When does the 10-week season begin?

Our fall season starts the week of September 11 but team practice start dates will vary by site (check our locations page for more details). More information will be shared by the GOTR staff and by your child's coaches once the season begins.

Do girls need to attend both days each week in order to register?

Yes! Since most of our teams fill up quickly, if your girl will be unable to attend all the sessions, please save room for a girl who can, and consider joining us in a future season when she can enjoy the entire program.

Is there a way for me to sponsor a participant for a season?

Yes! As a mission-driven 501(c)3, Girls on the Run relies on generous donors in order to provide more than $30,000 in program scholarships for families in need. Click here to donate to our scholarship fund.

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