Register to be a Running Buddy today!

 

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 on April 30th (Monday) or May 1st, 2012 (Tuesday) and at the Girls on the Run 5K on May 19th in Seward Park. That means keeping pace with the girl, ensuring her safety, and cheering her on!

What are the requirements?

  1. Must be 16 years or older by April 30th, 2012.
  2. New and returning Running Buddies are required to read and watch training materials.
  3. New and returning Running Buddies must consent to a background check.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

  1. Select your top three program sites that fit your schedule and/or location. (List available here)
  2. Be available for both events: the Practice 5K on-site on April 30thor May 1st and the Girls on the Run 5K on May 19th in Seward Park, Seattle.
  3. Register online or by mailing in the paper application along with a check.
  4.  Read and watch required training materials. They will be emailed directly to you on April 17th, which is also when you will be notified of your site placement.
  5. Attend the Practice 5K. Meet your Girl Buddy and have fun!
  6. 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.  If you are a parent, relative or already have a relationship with a GOTR girl, you will get priority site placement until March 25th.

How are site placements made?
Parents, family members, and those who have a relationship with a GOTR participant will get priority site placement until March 25th. After that, there is no guarantee of placement at your girl’s site. After March 25th, priority will go to returning Running Buddies and then placements will be made on a first come, first serve basis.

What if I can’t attend one of the required events?
Sign up for the Running Buddy Waitlist. In the event that a registered Running Buddy is not able to attend the Practice 5K or the Girls on the Run 5K, we contact people who have signed up on the Running Buddy Waitlist to see if they can fill in.

How do I sign up for the Running Buddy Waitlist? 
Sign up online or with the paper application, just like a regular Running Buddy.

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, either on Monday, April 30th or Tuesday, May 1st, 2012. 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 last season!

Girls on the Run 5K

What: This is the graduation race for our Fall 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 19th, 2012. 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 2011 5K!

Be a Running Buddy!