Girls on the Run of Puget Sound
Running Buddy
Running Buddy registration is now open for the spring season.
Click here to register today!
To see a list of our 40 program sites this season (with Practice 5K dates and times), click here.
Running Buddy Position Description
Share a girl’s exhilaration and excitement as she crosses the finish line of her first 5K. For many girls, this is the biggest challenge and greatest accomplishment of their Girls on the Run experience. One of their favorite parts is having their very own Running Buddy by their side!
The goal of Girls on the Run is for the girls to do their best and HAVE FUN! Girls are not encouraged to race competitively, but are encouraged to reach their own goals. For most girls, that’s making it to the finish line- whether it is by walking, running or skipping!
Frequently Asked Questions about Running Buddies
What is a Running Buddy?
A Running Buddy runs, walks, skips or hops with a GOTR girl during two 5K experiences: on-site at the Practice 5K at her program site on Monday April 29th or Tuesday April 30th (see list of program site dates and times here.) and at the Girls on the Run 5K in Seward Park on Saturday, May 18th. That means keeping pace with the girl, ensuring her safety, and cheering her on!
What are the requirements?
- Must be 16 years or older by April 29th, 2013.
- New and returning Running Buddies are required to read and watch training materials.
- New and returning Running Buddies must consent to a background check.
- Must attend both 5K events. Each Running Buddy is matched with a specific girl based on walking/running pace. Having the same Running Buddy for both 5Ks contributes to the girls’ overall experience of mentorship and encouragement.
- We ask Running Buddies to make a contribution of $25 to Girls on the Run to cover the cost of their background check and Girls on the Run 5K registration. We can waive this contribution on a case-by-case basis. Please do not hesitate to contact Anna Fleming at anna@girlsrun.org with any questions or concerns.
Can males volunteer as Running Buddies?
Running Buddies must be female, unless they are a parent/guardian, family member, or school staff. We strongly encourage families to participate in the program, and we encourage males to be Running Buddies only if they know the girl prior to Girls on the Run. We believe that girls benefit from having positive male role figures in their lives!
How often do Running Buddies volunteer?
Running Buddies only attend one practice – Lesson 16: The Practice 5K. Running Buddies also attend the Girls on the Run 5K at the end of the season. In total, this equals about 6 hours of time over the length of several weeks including potential travel time.
What are some qualities of a Running Buddy?
Running Buddies are fun loving, patient and supportive, they enjoy spending time with youth and have the ability to run or power walk a 5K.
Do Running Buddies have to run?
No, Running Buddies do not have to run. Running Buddies may be of all fitness abilities, but they do need to be able to complete a 5K. Running Buddies will be matched as best as possible according to pace.
How do I become a Running Buddy?
Follow these easy steps to become a Running Buddy this season:
- Be available for both events: the Practice 5K on-site on April 29th or 30th (list of dates here) and the Girls on the Run 5K on May 18th in Seward Park, Seattle.
- Register online [link coming soon] before April 14th or download the Paper application and mail it to our office with a $25 check (postmarked by April 12th).
- Read and watch required training materials. They will be emailed directly to you on April 16th.
- Attend the Practice 5K. Meet your Girl Buddy and have fun!
- Attend the Girls on the Run 5K. Run, walk or skip with your Girl Buddy!!
I would like to run with a specific girl. How can I make sure that happens?
List your girl’s name when you register. Parents and guardians of GOTR participants will get the opportunity to register as Running Buddies online when they register their daughters for the program. Running Buddy registration will be open to the public on February 20th and will then be on a first-come, first-served basis.
How are site placements made?
See above.
Who do I contact if I have questions about Running Buddies?
Contact Anna Fleming, this season’s Running Buddy Coordinator, at anna@girlsrun.org or 206-528-2118.
Where & When
Practice 5K
What: This is your chance to meet your Girl Buddy and to encourage her to go the distance as she runs or walks the distance of a 5K for the first time. You will be meeting on-site at the regularly scheduled Girls on the Run program time.
Date and time: During your program site’s regularly scheduled practice. To find your program site’s Practice 5K date and time, click here.
Location: Depends on the program site in the above table. To see a map of our program sites, click here.
Check out photos from a Practice 5K a couple of seasons ago!
Girls on the Run 5K
What: This is the graduation race for our spring program participants, and is open to the community. Post-5K celebration includes a festival full of fun for the whole family.
Date and time: Saturday, May 18th, 2013. Plan to arrive between 8:45 and 9:15 am to check in as a Running Buddy. The race starts at 10 am!
Location: Seward Park, Seattle, WA
Check out photos from our Fall 2012 5K!
Be a Running Buddy!
Watch the video:
