The course for a 5K is 3.1 miles. 

As a reminder, this is a fun, celebratory event for our participants and not a competitive race. While the fastest 5K participants could complete the course in around 18 minutes, most of our girls cross the finish line in 30 to 55 minutes. Everyone who participates is encouraged to run, walk, hop, roll, push, or skip, moving forward at their happy pace!

First, we understand that life happens, and circumstance might make it impossible to attend.

We strongly encourage that all participants attend and complete the 5K, as it is the goal that teams are preparing for all season long! It’s the ultimate opportunity to build confidence through accomplishment. Remember, this is the first 5K event for many – including coaches, participants, friends and family members. We are in it together!

For safety reasons, every participant must wear a race bib (provided by the council). Our council ensures every participant has a running buddy, and only critical 5K volunteers have access to confidential information.

To ensure every participant crosses the finish line, we monitor the course and have a "sweep" who stays behind the last participants. Our council has a safety plan in place, which trains staff and volunteers on how to respond during an emergency or incident.

Yes. Girls on the Run 5K events are for everyone! All participants can walk, run, push or roll safely and at their own happy pace.

A Running Buddy is an individual designated by the parent/guardian or the Council to complete the 5K alongside a program participant during the 5K event. A Running Buddy helps motivate and encourage the girl to cross the finish line by staying with the girl during the entire duration of the course and crossing the finish line together. 

Yes! You are encouraged to run with your girl! The 5K is a great way to accomplish a goal together. 

Absolutely! Every registered participant receives a bib for the event.  Other special items vary by 5K event. 

Yes! Family, friends and community members outside of our program can participate in the event, but must register.

A site-based 5K means the 5K course will take place at the site where an individual team practiced throughout the season. 

This means our 5K is part of a community 5K that is developed, organized and managed by an organization outside of Girls on the Run. Our council has chosen to participate in this event for our 5K. But, Girls on the Run has our own area to gather together and our own start time, so that all of our participants can have fun together before, out on the course and after the run.

A virtual 5K is still a 3.1-mile event, but is completed from a location that you choose. That could be in your neighborhood, at a nearby park, on a trail or even on a treadmill! It’s your 5K and you can run, walk, roll or push it at your own happy pace! 

We highly encourage Running Buddies, even for the virtual 5K.

Yes. All 5K registration forms include liability waivers.

Yes! Our Council sells merchandise to support our program! Be sure to look for our merchandise table and choose something to help you to commemorate this memorable event.

Yes! As this is the highlight of the season, there will be lots of activities, including vendor booths, water stations, food, and more!  Of course, we’ll have merchandise for sale, too!

For non-program participants, price increases vary by event.

We love our at-home friends, and that's where they should stay for the 5K -- at home. With a diverse set of runners and spectators, it's for the health and safety of all. Not all people enjoy being around pets, there are allergies and other reasons to keep pets away from the 5K event.  That having been said, bona fide service animals are permitted to assist their human at the 5K event.