Girls on the Run

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

Register Locations

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

Spring 2023 Season Details

Thank you for your interest in Girls on the Run programming.

Overview-Shared

Overview

NEW: We have transitioned to a lottery registration system. You can register online here and read our lottery registration FAQ here.
- Lottery Registration Period: Friday, January 20 to Thursday, February 2 at 11:59 p.m.
- The computer-generated lottery will run on Friday, February 3.
- Those selected will be notified by email, and their credit cards will be charged.
- Those NOT selected will be notified by email, and their cards will NOT be charged.
- Registration will re-open at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 4 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 Wednesday, February 22.
Our Spring 2023 season will begin the week of February 27 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 May 12.
Our season-culminating 5K event is tentatively scheduled for the weekend of May 6 or 7 at Riverfront Crossings Park in Iowa City. Because our sites are geographically dispersed, there will also be a 5K in the Cedar Valley and in Washington County. Details about your team's 5K plans will be provided once the season starts.

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.

January 20

Timeline

January 20

Lottery Registration Opens
February 2

Lottery Registration Closes

The computer-generated lottery will run on Friday, February 3. Those selected AND not selected will be notified via email.
February 4

Registration will re-open at 9:00 am on Saturday, February 4 on a first-come, first-served basis at sites under capacity and for the waiting list at sites that are at capacity.
February 22

Registration Closes
February 27

Spring 2023 Season Starts

Exact start date varies by site.
May 6 or 7

Spring 2023 5K Event (in Iowa City)

Note: Most teams will still have one week of practice left!
May 8 - 12

Last week of practice for most teams & Community Impact Projects

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

COVID-19 Information

Teams will continue to follow any COVID-19 protocols in place at their host sites. We will continue to provide hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipes, and a supplemental supply of masks for all teams (if needed); however, there are no additional GOTR curriculum-specific guidelines. If needed, COVID-19 community levels and prevention steps by county can be found here.

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FAQ

My girl isn't a big runner; is this program for her? OR My girl is already a skilled runner. Is this program for her?

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!

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 spring season starts the week of February 27 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 girl'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.